Obstetrics & Gynaecology Search
Obstetrics & Gynaecology Obstetrics & Gynaecology
osteoporosis%20in%20women
OSTEOPOROSIS IN WOMEN
Osteoporosis is a progressive, systemic, skeletal disease characterized by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures.
The more risk factors (eg history of fracture, advanced age, comorbidities, etc) that are present, the greater the risk of fracture.

Lifestyle Modification

Nutrition

Calcium (Ca) and Vitamin D

  • Prevention of osteoporosis
    • Lifelong intake of adequate Ca is associated with higher peak bone mass which reduces the risk of osteoporosis/fracture in later life
    • Recommended Ca intake for patients >50 years of age: 500-1200 mg/day
    • The main sources of Ca are from dairy products; vegetables (eg broccoli, cabbage) are also a good source
    • Vitamin D helps in intestinal Ca absorption and bone mineralization
    • Recommended vitamin D intake for patients ≥50 years of age: 800-1000 IU/day
      • Higher doses may be needed in patients with malabsorption, obesity, older individuals, transplant patients 
    • The main sources of vitamin D are from sun exposure (>15 minutes/day), fortified milk, cereals, egg yolks, salt water fish and liver
  • Treatment of osteoporosis
    • Ca and vitamin D supplements may be administered as adjunct to other drug therapies in the treatment of osteoporosis
    • Helps to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and may reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
  • Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP)
    • Recommended in secondary prevention and treatment
    • Has been shown to reduce bone loss

Good General Nutrition

  • Excessive dieting and low body weight is associated with increased risk of fracture
    • Recommend body mass index (BMI) ≥19 kg/m2
  • Maintenance of adequate energy and protein intake is important as well as consuming a balanced diet

Exercise

  • Regular weight-bearing exercises and muscle strengthening exercises can improve agility, strength, posture and balance, which may help to prevent falls
    • Jogging, brisk walking, tai chi, weight training
    • Type of exercise will depend on age of patient and physical ability
  • May modestly increase bone density

Avoid Cigarette Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

  • Both associated with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures and should be avoided
  • Alcohol intake may be limited to <2 units/day 
Limit Caffeine Intake
  • Caffeinated drinks should be limited to <1-2 servings per day (240-360 mL/serving) 
Digital Edition
Asia's trusted medical magazine for healthcare professionals. Get your MIMS JPOG - Malaysia digital copy today!
Sign In To Download
Editor's Recommendations
Most Read Articles
Management of Ovarian Masses during Pregnancy
Vincent YT Cheung, 01 Dec 2015

Ultrasonography has been widely used as a routine component of antenatal care. During the assessment of the foetus and the placenta, an adnexal mass may be discovered at the time of the ultrasound examination. Occasionally, an adnexal mass can also be suspected either on physical examination or as a result of clinical symptoms.
Diet quality during pregnancy may influence neonatal adiposity
Roshini Claire Anthony, 06 Apr 2018

A better quality of diet during pregnancy is associated with lower neonatal adiposity and longer infant length at birth, according to findings from the GUSTO* study.
Cycling does not adversely affect sexual, urinary function in females
07 Apr 2018
Female cyclists do not have significantly worse urinary or sexual function compared with other athletes, a recent study has shown. However, other genitourinary conditions, such as saddle sores and genital numbness, are associated with cycling and may lead to sexual dysfunction.
Cervical pessary placement unrelated to preterm births, other complications
26 Feb 2017
Placement of cervical pessary in women with short cervices and singleton pregnancies does not lower the risk of having preterm births, according to the results of a meta-analysis.