Menopausal osteoporosis manifestations

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 07, 2025
00:00
00:00

Women experience osteoporosis during menopause, generally occurring in the later stages of menopause, which is between 9-13 years after menopause. During this period, women may develop osteoporosis. In the early stages, women can experience pain in the lower back, limbs, and joints, which is actually a manifestation of rapid bone loss. Later on, some women may develop a hunched back. Due to the increased brittleness of their bones, they are prone to various fractures, with vertebral fractures being the most common. This is followed by fractures of the distal radius and the neck of the femur.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
59sec home-news-image

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

How to check for osteoporosis? Currently, in clinical practice, there is no single instrument or technology that can definitively determine whether you have osteoporosis. Therefore, the examination for osteoporosis involves measuring bone density and bone markers, or combining these two methods to achieve a joint diagnosis. What is the gold standard for bone density measurement? It is DXA, which stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Through the measurement of this instrument, a Z-score and T-score will be obtained, among which the T-score is mainly used as the diagnostic indicator, while the Z-score is primarily considered for differential diagnosis. Secondly, bone markers are tested, and large hospitals, especially tertiary hospitals, perform this test very well. So, if you suspect that you have osteoporosis and want to know what tests to take? These two tests would be sufficient.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
43sec home-news-image

What should I do if osteoporosis is severe?

The severity of osteoporosis manifests as fractures, which are caused by increased brittleness. The principle of treatment varies based on the location of the fracture. Different methods are chosen accordingly. However, it is important to first reposition the fracture and then strengthen internal fixation. After fixation, patients should be advised to engage in appropriate functional exercises. During these exercises, medications for treating osteoporosis should be administered, such as increasing the intake of calcium or vitamin D. Additionally, medications that promote bone absorption and inhibit bone loss should be used for symptomatic treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
1min 22sec home-news-image

Causes of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is primarily characterized by a reduction in bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue microstructure, and increased bone fragility, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It is a metabolic bone disease. Some cases are primary, also referred to as postmenopausal osteoporosis, which generally lacks specific causes and is mainly linked to estrogen deficiency. There is also a category known as secondary osteoporosis, which has a variety of causes, primarily secondary to metabolic endocrine disorders such as hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, and growth hormone deficiency. Additionally, some hematologic disorders, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can lead to osteoporosis. There are also some less common or rare diseases like osteogenesis imperfecta and scurvy that can cause osteoporosis. Furthermore, long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants, can lead to osteoporosis. Kidney diseases, such as chronic renal failure and renal tubular acidosis, can also cause osteoporosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
1min 23sec home-news-image

How to exercise with osteoporosis

How should people with osteoporosis exercise? Many patients with osteoporosis believe that exercising could lead to fractures. In fact, by exercising, muscles can develop more fully, which not only protects the bones but also indirectly provides better support for bone metabolism. As long as scientific exercise methods are used and accidents and injuries are avoided, fractures will not occur. The following exercises are very suitable for osteoporosis patients to practice regularly. The first type is Tai Chi. Tai Chi can be considered a national treasure of China. It is a slow and elegant exercise that emphasizes coordination of the body and mind, and has functions that strengthen bones. Tai Chi can slow the rate of bone loss. The second type is Yoga. Research has found that women who regularly practice yoga have significant increases in spinal bone density. This slow and delicate exercise can increase the bone density in the hips, spine, and wrists. However, patients with osteoporosis should exercise within their limits. Excessive exercise or improper physical activity can be a burden on the patient's body and may cause adverse consequences. It is recommended to consult a doctor and choose an appropriate exercise method.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
54sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and destruction of bone microstructure, leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. It can be divided into primary and secondary types based on the cause. Secondary osteoporosis has a clear primary cause, often due to endocrine metabolic diseases such as gonadal insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, type 1 diabetes, or systemic diseases. Primary osteoporosis is commonly seen in postmenopausal osteoporosis and senile osteoporosis. Therefore, it is recommended to consult an endocrinology or orthopedics department for osteoporosis.