Osteoporosis can be a serious, long-term health consequence of the climacteric. This condition is sometimes not detected until a fracture occurs.
Oestrogen deficiency accelerates the bone depletion that occurs during the normal ageing process. About 25% of women gradually experience bone fragility and fractures with declining oestrogen production. Decrease in bone mass may lead to curvature of the spine, vertebral compression fractures, height loss and pain. Bone loss in the femur bones occurs at a slower rate, and women who do not take HRT, may not experience femur fractures until the age of 70-75 years.
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Hip fractures are a common injury in women with osteoporosis at an advanced age. About 20% of white women at the age of 80, not having received HRT, may develop hip fractures and usually require a long recovery period. Up to one-fourth of those who do recover need to enter a long-term care facility while 15% with hip fractures in this age group will die within six months, either from the fracture itself or from complications.
Factors that increase risk for osteoporosis:
Caucasian or Asian ethnicity
Slim build (meaning decreased weight in relation to height)
Cigarette smoking, high alcohol intake, high caffeine consumption
Family history (mother, sister, or aunt has osteoporosis)
Early menopause (either spontaneously or due to an operation with removal of the ovaries)
No or minimal exercise
Deficient intake of calcium and vitamin D, high protein intake
Endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease, hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland) and corticosteroid therapy.
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