Typically, as the human body ages, it undergoes numerous changes, especially in the female body, while most of these changes affect the skeletal system. One of the common and serious problems is the decline in bone density. This decline not only results in conditions such as osteoporosis but also increases the risk of fractures, mobility problems, and reduced quality of life. Furthermore, let’s delve deeper into this blog to understand the biological, hormonal, and lifestyle-related reasons behind the decrease in bone density in women as they age.

What is bone density?

Bone density is nothing but the level of bone minerals present in the bone tissue. Only this measures bone strength and determines how rigid the bones are and when they will break. Bones are one of the living tissues that will keep remodeling themselves, in this process, an old bone will be broken down and a new bone will be formed.

Until reaching a certain age, these bones will remain well-balanced. Notably, when women age, that is post-menopause, this balance starts declining, and bone resorption outpaces bone formation, resulting in a gradual loss in bone mass.

What are the warning signs of low bone density?

You need to be aware that, typically, low bone density develops silently, but some warning signs might indicate a problem. These include frequent fractures from minor falls or injuries, notably in the wrist, hip, or spine. Persistent back pain signals vertebral fractures. A noticeable loss of height or a stooped posture also indicates weakened spinal bones.

A few people will experience reduced grip strength and brittle nails. Also, low bone density often has no symptoms until a fracture occurs, so frequent screening and awareness of risk factors are crucial, notably in postmenopausal women or those with a family history of osteoporosis.

Why are elderly women more prone to bone density loss?

The key reasons for the decline in bone density in women include:

Hormonal fluctuations:

The primary reasons for reduced bone density in women are the drop in estrogen levels during and after menopause. Estrogen plays a major role in maintaining bone density by inhibiting bone resorption.

Premenopause: Estrogen levels will be good enough to maintain a healthy balance between bone formation and resorption.
Post-menopause: Typically, in this time, estrogen levels will drop sharply, resulting in osteoclast activity in this condition, the cells will break down the bone, which results in accelerated bone loss.
Age-related bone remodeling changes:

Bone’s remodeling cycle will be greatly disturbed by aging

Reduced osteoblast activity: Osteoblast cells are responsible for bone formation. Their activity will decline with age; that is, the new bones will be formed gradually.
Increased osteoclast activity: Those cells that are responsible for breaking down the bones become more active, notably in the absence of estrogen.
Calcium and vitamin D deficiency:
Calcium: When aging, women’s bodies become less efficient in absorbing calcium from the diet. This mineral is crucial for maintaining an individual’s bone strength.
Vitamin D: When aging, your skin will produce less vitamin D, as elderly people will get less sunlight. While vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, when you are deficient in it, your bone health will start to worsen.
Lifestyle factors:
Sedentary lifestyle: Engaging in physical activities such as weight-bearing is crucial for bone health. Inactivity results in weaker bones.

Unhealthy diet: Diets without bone-building nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K can result in bone loss.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol have a link with lower bone density and a high risk of fractures.
Genetic predisposition:

Surprisingly, family history plays a key role in determining bone density. Women with a family history of fractures or osteoporosis are more prone to experience significant bone loss as they age.

Chronic medical conditions and medications:

A few conditions and long-term medications contribute to decreased bone density:

Conditions: A few cancers, thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney diseases.
Medications: When using some medications in the long run without a doctor’s knowledge that especially in high doses, can result in this condition. So, before taking any medications, reach out to the best ortho hospital in Coimbatore to get appropriate treatment.
Menstrual irregularities and early menopause:
Irregular periods often indicate hormonal imbalances that affect bone density.
Women who attain menopause before 45 years of age are at higher risk of accelerated bone loss.

When do bones in the female body stop growing?

Typically, in the female body, their bones stop growing when they are 16 to 18 years old. This mostly occurs when the growth plates or epiphyseal plates close. These plates are areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones, and they are also responsible for the lengthening of bones during childhood and adolescence.

Hormonal changes will influence the closure of these growth plates, notably the increase in estrogen during puberty. Initially, estrogen will stimulate the growth spurt, but eventually lead to the hardening or fusion of the growth plates, which signals the end of height.

Usually, in late adolescence, your height will stop growing, and your bones will continue to gain density and strength until the late 20s, this phase is also known as peak bone mass. From this point, the focus will change from bone growth to bone maintenance.

So, girls should highly prioritize getting calcium and vitamin D during the growing years, and should also concentrate on physical activity, as this assists in building stronger bones that support your health in later periods of life and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, notably post-menopause when bone loss accelerates.

How does aging decrease bone density?

Several physiological changes will influence women’s bones as they age, so eventually, bone density will decrease. As we mentioned above, one of the key reasons for this decline is a slowdown in the process of bone remodeling efficiency. Typically, human bone will undergo a few changes, like old bone tissue breaking down, and new bone will be formed. Also, when you are young, this process will remain balanced, but with aging, resorption begins to outpace formation, resulting in bone loss.

The next culprit behind this decline in bone density is hormonal fluctuations, notably the decline in estrogen levels post-menopause accelerates bone loss. There’s an intricate relationship between estrogen and managing bone health. Likewise, in men, when they age, testosterone levels will start declining, and eventually, they will also experience bone density loss.

Other factors include reduced absorption of calcium and vitamin D, limited physical activity, and low production of bone-building cells. These changes will weaken your bone structure, make your bones more porous and prone to fractures.

Following a nutritious diet, staying active, and ensuring that you get enough calcium and vitamin D can assist in slowing down the process of age-related bone density loss.

Is there a link between menopause and bone density loss?

Menopause remains a huge turning point in women’s lives, similar to puberty, and pregnancy.

A few studies have highlighted that women lose up to 20% of their bone density during this period.
Usually after menopause bone density will drop suddenly, and this can easily result in osteoporosis and fractures in the wrist, hip, and spine.

How to prevent or slow down bone loss?

As mentioned above, the normal bone density range decreases with age, all women can do is take proactive steps to slow down the process and maintain stronger bones.

Balanced diet:
Consume diets rich in calcium, like dairy, leafy greens, almonds, etc.
Get sufficient vitamin D from sunlight.
Consume a bone-healthy diet
Regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises:
Go on a short walk, jogging, climbing stairs, and dancing as well.
Strength training with weights or resistance bands.
Making lifestyle changes:
Quit smoking and consuming alcohol
Maintain a healthy weight
Bone density testing:

Women over the age of 65 and those with risk factors should consider DEXA scans to assess bone density.

Medications:
A few medications, hormone therapy, or selective estrogen receptor modulators will be prescribed.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements will also be recommended by healthcare providers.
Fall prevention:
Consider using non-slippery mats, and make sure there is good lighting at your home.
To prevent fall-related fractures, consider going for frequent check-ups.

Is there any way to increase bone density?

Of course, there are several ways to increase your bone density, especially when started earlier and consistently followed, even when aging. Also, consider doing weight-bearing and resistance exercises such as walking, jogging, weight lifting, and yoga to stimulate your bone formation by adding more healthy stress on the bones. As we all know, engaging in physical activity remains the best way to strengthen the bones.

Consume bone-healthy foods like leafy greens, dairy products, and fortified foods. Vitamin D is also equally important as it assists the body in absorbing calcium, and sunlight exposure, and supplements can assist in maintaining adequate levels.

More than anything, you should quit smoking and alcohol consumption, because both can potentially weaken your bones. In a few cases, healthcare providers will suggest medications such as bisphosphonates or hormone-related therapies to enhance your bone density, notably in individuals with osteoporosis.

Regularly scanning your bone density and medical assistance can assist in tracking progress and adjusting strategies, making it possible to protect and even rebuild your bone strength over time.

What are the common treatments available for low bone density?

Usually, the treatment for bone density loss focuses on preventing fractures and enhancing bone strength, and notably bone density test cost is also very affordable. Some of the common options include:

Medications:

Similar to other issues, bone density loss will also be managed by medications. Some other options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a few other medications.

Calcium and vitamin D:

Even in most cases, supplements greatly help in supporting bone health and enhancing calcium absorption.

Lifestyle modifications:

Regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises strengthen bones.

Diet:

A balanced diet rich in calcium, which consists of dairy and leafy greens, vitamin D, such as eggs, fish, and fortified foods, is crucial.

Monitoring:

Bone density scans assist in tracking the progress and guiding treatment decisions. Simply, the timely diagnosis and a combination of treatments give the best outcomes.

At what age should women consider getting a bone density test?

Typically, women are advised to get a bone density test, also referred to as a DEXA scan, at their 65th age, even if they have no risk factors for osteoporosis, anyone can access this because the bone density scan cost in Coimbatore is also very low. Also, younger women, those who are postmenopausal under the age of 65, should consider testing earlier, in case they have the risk factors, such as:

Family history of osteoporosis
Fractures post 50 years of age
Low body weight
Smoking and binge usage of alcohol
Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Your bones will become weak when using a few medications for a long time.

A bone density test assists in detecting osteoporosis in its early stages, even before the fracture occurs. When diagnosing the issues in its early stages, you can make some effective lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, or get appropriate medication. Women should discuss their personal risk factors with a doctor to determine the best treatment for their specific needs.

Final thoughts:

In conclusion, we can say that bone density loss in women is a multifactorial problem, mainly driven by hormonal changes, aging, lifestyle habits, and genetic factors. Being aware of the underlying causes and following some preventive measures can assist women in maintaining strong bones even in old age. Better understanding, frequent screening, and healthy living are vital to alleviate the risk of osteoporosis and maintain independence and mobility as women age.