Osteoporosis and Menopause
Bone loss due to decline in estrogen is the leading cause of osteoporosis in women
Diagnosing Osteoporosis
If osteoporosis is painless, how do I know if my bones are healthy?
Keeping Bones Strong -The Keys to Prevention
- The importance of calcium and vitamin D as part of a healthy diet
- The value of weight-bearing exercise
- Making lifestyle changes
- Medications that prevent bone loss
The Importance of Calcium
Optimal Daily Calcium Intake*
Age Group (in years)
1 – 5
6 – 10
11 – 24
Men
25 – 50
Over 65
Women
25 – 50
50 – 65 taking estrogen
50 – 65 not taking estrogen
Over 65
Pregnant or nursing
Calcium (in milligrams)
800
800 - 1200
1200 – 1500
1000
1500
1000
1000
1500
1500
1200 – 1500
Reference:
* Optimal Daily Calcium Intake. NIH Consensus Statement 1994