What are the symptoms of osteoporosis in women?

Common symptoms of osteoporosis in women include back pain, decreased height, and easy fractures. Osteoporosis is a disease caused by decreased bone density and destruction of bone structure, and is common in postmenopausal women. Treatments include medication, dietary adjustments, and exercise interventions.

1. Back pain is one of the early symptoms of osteoporosis. This pain is usually located in the spinal area and may be caused by vertebral compression fractures. The pain worsens when standing or walking and eases when lying down. Patients often feel stiffness in the back and limited movement. The degree of pain varies from person to person, some are mildly uncomfortable, and some are severe and unbearable.

2. Shortening of height is a typical manifestation of osteoporosis. Due to vertebral compression fractures, the spine gradually bends, resulting in a significant decrease in height. Patients may have hunchbacks, and in severe cases, they may develop "senile hunchbacks". Shortening of height is usually accompanied by back pain, but sometimes it may be painless. Regularly measuring height can help detect osteoporosis early.

3. Easy fracture is the most serious consequence of osteoporosis. Minor trauma can lead to fractures, and common sites include the wrist, hip and spine. Fractures heal slowly and may leave functional impairment. Hip fractures are particularly dangerous and may lead to long-term bed rest, increasing the risk of complications. Preventing fractures is the focus of osteoporosis treatment.

Treatment of osteoporosis requires a comprehensive approach. Drug treatments include bisphosphonates, estrogen receptor modulators, and parathyroid hormone analogs. Bisphosphonates such as alendronate can inhibit bone resorption and increase bone density. Estrogen receptor modulators such as raloxifene can improve bone metabolism and reduce the risk of fractures. Parathyroid hormone analogs such as teriparatide can promote bone formation and improve bone strength.

Dietary adjustment is crucial for the treatment of osteoporosis. Increasing calcium intake helps maintain bone density. It is recommended to consume dairy products, soy products and dark green vegetables. Vitamin D supplementation can promote calcium absorption. It is recommended to get more sun exposure or take vitamin D supplements. A moderate intake of protein is beneficial to bone health, but excessive intake may increase calcium loss.

Exercise intervention can improve the symptoms of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise such as walking and jogging can stimulate bone formation and increase bone density. Resistance exercise such as weightlifting and elastic band training can enhance muscle strength and improve balance. Flexibility exercises such as yoga and Tai Chi can improve joint flexibility and reduce the risk of falling. It is recommended to exercise 3-5 times a week, 30-60 minutes each time.

Osteoporosis in women requires long-term management and regular monitoring of bone density changes. For postmenopausal women, it is recommended to have a bone density test once a year. High-risk groups such as those with a family history and those who use hormones for a long time should pay more attention. Timely detection and treatment of osteoporosis can effectively prevent fractures and improve the quality of life.

Prevention of osteoporosis should start from a young age by establishing good living habits. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise moderately, avoid smoking and excessive drinking. For postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy or other anti-osteoporosis drugs should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Regular bone density examinations can detect and intervene in osteoporosis in a timely manner, which can effectively reduce the risk of fractures and maintain bone health.