Looking out for osteoporosis in a woman's health check-up

Abstract

"It's time, once again, for my annual checkup." Most women understand that this involves a cervical PAP smear and possibly a mammogram. However, few women think about their bones' health and consequently fail to give it its due importance. Peak bone mass is achieved by age 30. After that, as breakdown outstrips formation, bones slowly decrease in density. If the body is unable to maintain an adequate amount of bone formation, bones continue to lose density and become increasingly fragile, eventually resulting in osteoporosis. In women, the decrease in bone loss accelerates for five to ten years after menopause. Thus, attention to skeletal health should be paid to prevent osteoporosis and consequently fractures.