Osteoporosis is a common disease that causes loss of bone mass. Older women during menopause are particularly affected by the skeletal disease. It often goes unnoticed for a long time.
Osteoporosis is a widespread disease in which bone density and thus the stability of the bones decrease. What is particularly tricky is that it can go on for a long time without noticeable symptoms and therefore often goes undetected. It is often only recognized when seemingly harmless falls – such as during sports – unexpectedly lead to complicated bone fractures or severe back pain suddenly occurs without an apparent trigger. Women during menopause are particularly at increased risk, as hormonal changes promote bone loss.
Widespread disease osteoporosis: Why older women are particularly affected
In Germany, an estimated six to eight million people suffer from osteoporosis. According to the Charité – University Medicine Berlin The widespread widespread disease is a systemic skeletal disease that affects the entire body. The main characteristics are a significant decrease in bone density and changes in the bone structure. As a result, the risk of broken bones (fractures) increases, which significantly impairs the quality of life of those affected and can result in long-term health damage.
Women have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. One reason for this is that on average they have lower bone mass and less muscle than men. Hormonal changes also have an impact during menopause: as estrogen levels fall, bone loss accelerates because more bone tissue is broken down than built up. Many women experience the greatest loss of bone mass between about one year before and two years after menopause. According to the Technicians’ Health Insurance Around 30 percent of women are affected by osteoporosis after their last menstrual period.
Osteoporosis symptoms are often unclear
The symptoms of osteoporosis are often non-specific and difficult to categorize. Also Dr. Philipp Wagner, specialist in trauma surgery and orthopedics at the Pfullendorf Orthopedic Center, explains in an interview with Swabianthat there are usually no clear warning signs that directly indicate the disease. “I remember the case of a woman who lifted an empty flower pot and suffered a fractured vertebra,” reports the doctor. It was only this incident that brought the previously undetected illness to light.
There are therefore hardly any specific early warning signs for osteoporosis German Rheumatism League emphasized. In many cases, the disease goes unnoticed for a long time – often until the first bone fractures occur. Even fractures of vertebral bodies or ribs can initially go undetected. However, after a vertebral fracture, changes to the spine can occur. Incorrect strain on the back muscles often causes back pain. According to Philipp Wagner, these are therefore considered a possible indication of osteoporosis. However, if fractures occur in the spine or hip, most patients suffer from severe pain.
How osteoporosis can be diagnosed
If osteoporosis is detected early, countermeasures can often be taken before bone fractures occur. It is therefore crucial to identify people with an increased risk of the skeletal disease early on. According to the, the most important risk factors include: Osteology Association (DVO) among other things:
- previously suffered vertebral body or hip fractures
- Broken bones after age 50
- long-term use of glucocorticoids in tablet form
- Diabetes mellitus
- chronic heart or kidney failure
- Conditions associated with an increased risk of falls
- Drugs that promote bone loss
If one or more of these risk factors are present, a bone density measurement is usually recommended. If this actually shows reduced bone density, a blood test usually follows to rule out other possible causes of bone loss.
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