What to Know About Bone Health

Being a woman puts you at risk of getting osteoporosis and breaking a bone. But, the good news? There are ways to make sure your bones stay healthy as you age.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones. Because weak bones are thinner than healthy bones, they are more likely to break.

Who’s at risk for osteoporosis?

Any woman over 65
Any woman with a history of broken bones who has gone through menopause

Our bones naturally rebuild themselves over time. In fact, our skeletons are brand-new every 10 years! As we age, our bones sometimes can’t do this as well as they did before.

What symptoms should I look for?

Osteoporosis is a “silent disease.” You may not know you have it until you break a bone. But there are a few things you can look for. If you have severe back pain, you’ve gotten shorter, or have trouble standing up straight, talk to your doctor to see if osteoporosis is to blame.

How do I check to see if I have osteoporosis?

Talk to your doctor about getting a bone density scan. This scan can:

Confirm if you have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing it
Predict your chances of breaking a bone in the future

Is there a cure for osteoporosis?

Not yet. There are several medications that can help you prevent or treat osteoporosis. Your doctor may also recommend that you take a calcium or vitamin D supplement. (Helpful hint: With most Devoted Health plans, you can use your OTC allowance to buy these!)

Regular bone density scans every 1 to 2 years can also help your doctor make sure you’re getting the treatment you need, whether you already have osteoporosis or if you’re at risk for developing it.

This article is for general reference only. Always talk to your doctor or other health professional for medical advice.