Menopause and Osteoporosis: What can be done?

With the onset of Peri-Menopause women can experience a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from Hot Flashes to vaginal dryness. One of the most frightening symptoms to affect peri-menopasual women as they enter the next phase of their life can be the onset of Osteoporosis. What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is the loss of mass and strength within the bones that make up the human body. The word Osteoporosis literally means, porous bones, or brittle bones. Osteoporosis is not often diagnosed until a fracture is caused by weakened bones. Fractured bones can be very debilitating to the aging body and can greatly affect health and well being. This can be especially disconcerting to the peri-menopausal woman who needs all the exercise and vitality she can get to balance the side effects of the onset of menopause. So what can be done?
Thankfully there are several treatment options for menopause related Osteoporosis. Besides Estrogen replacement therapy there are medications such as Actonel, Calcimar, Evista, Fosamax and Micalcin. You can suppelement these medications with Calcium and Vitamin D supplements along with Forteo injections. Of course it should be stated that it is absolutely never too late to begin exercising. Engaging in a training program that focuses on Weight-Bearing exercises or

exercises that make your muscles work against gravity is optimal. But even aerobic or strength training will no doubt imbue a certain amount of qualitative and positive benefits.
Diet. Through our youth our body forgave us all our sumptuous indiscretions. But now as we enter this next phase of our life we can see the merits, or disadvantages, of our diets. Of course it is never to late to begin a good program and one that is especially geared for the peri-menopausal woman. A well balanced diet is one that can be found with a good mix of representations from the four food groups. But for the peri-menopausal woman it might be a good idea to include at least three servings from the milk, cheese and yogurt group. Couple this with generous doses of sunshine, oily fish such as herring, salmon and sardines, breakfast cereals and eggs and you can prevent and even alleviate the weakening of your bones. Remember to drink alcohol only in moderation and to completely stop smoking.
In closing it isn’t just one thing that is going to prevent or treat Osteoporosis. It is a life regimen that encompasses exercise, healthy eating, medicinal supplementation when needed, and most importantly a positive mental attitude. A positive mental attitude, and one that is especially complimented with laughter and an appreciation for humor and joy, can do more for the bones than any other one factor. So eat right, exercise and find something to get happy about. Remember, even for young women, it is never too late to start living right.

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