Osteoporosis is a disease cause by loss of bone minerals. Dense, healthy bones are strong. When osteoporosis develops, the bones become weak and thin. Symptoms of osteoporosis for women usually occur after menopause. Osteoporosis also can affect men. Women who are in perimenopause begin to experience declines in estrogen, necessary for reabsorption of bone minerals, leading to osteoporosis. During perimenopause it is important to measure your risk factors for osteoporosis and take action toward prevention.
Fractures
Before your doctor even determines you have osteoporosis, symptoms can be present. Early osteoporosis might not be detected by traditional X-rays that measure bone density until 30 percent of bone mass has been lost. Often the first symptom of osteoporosis includes spontaneous fracture that occurs without falling or other impact. Fractures from osteoporosis can occur from sneezing, coughing or simply moving the wrong way when the disease is in advanced stages.
Pain
Pain in the upper or lower back may be a symptom of osteoporosis. Sorting out the cause of back pain can be difficult. Back pain has many causes, one of which could be osteoporosis. Palpable tenderness along the spine might be present and may be a symptom of osteoporosis in perimenopausal women, in addition to unexplained joint pain.
Loss of Height
Loss of height can be a symptom of osteoporosis during perimenopause. Any loss of height is an indication for evaluation of osteoporosis. Significant loss of height that can even lead to spinal deformity and a hunchback appearance occurs when osteoporosis is in advanced stages.
Difficulty Standing or Sitting Up Straight
Difficulty sitting or standing up straight might be a warning sign of early osteoporosis during perimenopause. By the time it becomes necessary to walk with a stooped posture, osteoporosis prevention becomes impossible and the goal becomes managing the pain and disability associated with osteoporosis.
Watch For Osteoporosis During Perimenopause
It is important to remember that there may be no symptoms of osteoporosis until bones become weak and a fracture occurs. Osteoporosis symptoms and perimenopause may go undetected. Women who smoke, drink large amounts of alcohol, experience declines in estrogen for any reason, including the approach of menopause, or have underlying endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are especially at risk for osteoporosis. Women who are perimenopausal, generally women in their 40s, should take an inventory of risk factors for osteoporosis. Understanding osteoporosis symptoms and oncoming menopause can lead to awareness and the ability to take measures to prevent the disease from progressing. Speak with your doctor about your individual risk factors for osteoporosis, the most common form of bone disease.
