Hidden signs that your bones may be weaker than you think, according to a doctor

When people think about protecting their health, bone health often takes a backseat to more important concerns like cancer or heart disease.

But for women, bone density can become a real problem with age, as osteoporosis weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OB-GYN, certified menopause specialist, and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, spoke with News Digital about the seriousness of this threat.

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“About 50% of women can expect to suffer an osteoporotic fracture before they die,” he said. “That’s triple the rate of men.”

Osteoporosis is defined as a “bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, or when the structure and strength of bones change,” according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

The condition can cause bones to become so weak and brittle that a fall or even minor stress, such as coughing, can cause a fracture.

Haver, who is also the founder of The ‘Pause Life, a health and wellness platform focused on supporting women through the changes of midlife, noted that the “fall” after these fractures can be “pretty devastating.”

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Fractures can lead to disability, death and high medical costs, according to a blog post by Haver on The ‘Pause Life’ website.

Risks and warning signs

Haver emphasized that osteoporosis is a “largely preventable” disease.

“Paying attention to lifestyle, behaviors and possibly medications that can prevent osteoporosis earlier in life will really help prevent some of the loss of independence that women experience as they age,” she told News Digital.

The condition is more likely to occur in people who have hormonal imbalances, have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, have low calcium intake, or experience eating disorders, according to Haver and the Mayo Clinic. People with a family history of osteoporosis may also face an increased risk.

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People who have taken corticosteroid medications for conditions such as seizures, gastric reflux, cancer, and transplant rejection are more susceptible, as are those with celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, multiple myeloma, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Although osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a “silent disease,” which can progress without symptoms until a fracture occurs, there are some subtle clues that may indicate “subnormal” bone density, Haver said.

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These include loss of height, back pain, receding gums, and weak or brittle nails.

Osteoporosis can also be caused by certain unhealthy habits, such as a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.

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Mayo Clinic reported: “People who spend a lot of time sitting have a higher risk of osteoporosis than those who are more active.”

Haver agreed to stay physically active while getting enough calcium and vitamin D through a healthy diet or supplements. can help maintain healthy bone density.

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“Perform weight-bearing exercises and resistance training, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and talk to a doctor about any medications that may affect bone health,” he wrote on his blog.

“Some people may also be recommended to have regular bone density tests to monitor their bone health and identify any potential problems early on.”