Silent Bone Health Threats Women Face After 30

After 30 women's bone health declines, here's what you need to keep in mind being in your 30's.(Image: Pexels)

When women reach 30, there is a quiet transformation occurring in their bodies that will significantly impact bone strength soon. Bone health is a much less visible experience than many other aspects of health, making deterioration even less obvious and making you not worth the wear and tear of quite some time potentially, until you reach fracture threshold or are tested for density and red flags are raised.

There are many contributing factors involved that can undermine bone health and many symptoms do not appear until the bones are beginning to deteriorate Dr Amit Kale, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Head of the unit at Dr D .Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital  & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, looks at these factors:

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Estrogen Decline: The Silent Bone Deteriorator 

Estrogen is an important player in bone health because it regulates and maintains the balance between bone-building activity (osteoblastic) and bone-breakdown activity (osteoclastic). After 30, and particularly when approaching the menopause stage, the amount of estrogen in a woman's body declines. This is the time when the normal, continual decline in estrogen accelerates and bone loss ramps up to 20 percent of bone mineral density (BMD) in the first 7 years after menopause.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Bones Need Activity 

Because bones are living tissue, they respond to activity in a significant way. If weight-bearing or resistance exercise is not performed regularly, bone formation will be dramatically slowed, and bones will weaken considerably over time and eventually become brittle. Activities like frequent walking, jogging, walking, dancing and strength training tell your body to keep building bone, but eventually all bones weaken, and you will see a result on your bones over time.

Chronic Conditions: Coverters to Bone Strengths.

Chronic medical conditions such as thyroid dysfunctions, rheumatoid arthritis and gastro intestinal problems can often alter calcium absorption and Vitamin D synthesis. For example, a thyroid imbalance can affect calcium regulation. Rheumatoid inflammation is an autoimmune function that can hasten bone density loss. Gastro intestinal problems such as celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease can inhibit absorption of essential nutrients and slowly weaken Cartesian bones over time.

Medications Like Corticosteroids

Long term use can negatively affect bones. Corticosteroids, often used to manage asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune conditions, can affect calcium absorption and reduce new bone production. Long term use of cortisol medications (i.e. having a daily dose of 5mg or more of prednisone for three months or greater) can increase the relative risk of a fracture by as much as fifty percent, therefore getting regular monitoring and supplements routinely is the best prevention against chronic "silent" bone loss.

Also read: All You Need to Know About Intestinal Obstruction

Nutritional Support: The Key to Strong Bones 

Strong bones require a daily intake of calcium (1,000-1,200 mg) and vitamin D (600-800 IU). Without these building blocks, bone density can't be built and decreases over time, especially if health disorders prevent the absorption of these nutrients.

The Importance of Screening 

Bone loss is often silent until it's too late. Women over 30, especially women at risk, should ask their doctors about screening with a consistency, like a DEXA Scan. Early detection allows time for diet, lifestyle, and medications to manage bone mass.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.