Art of Aging Well – Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis – Known as the “Silent Killer”

We all have a general idea about osteoporosis.  Few understand the threats it poses to health and aging.  At menopause, as hormone levels change, bone-building benefits of progesterone may be lost.  The decline of progesterone impacts heart health and the two may have more in common than you think.  Bones and the heart?  What do they have in common?

Researchers believe there is a biological system that may influence the disease processes of both – heart disease and osteoporosis.

Studies have found bone loss is linked to a high level of OPG in post-menopausal women and that having a high level of OPG also predicts the development of atherosclerosis in women.

What this is saying is; the decline in progesterone, a hormone that supports both bone and heart health, may be linked to increased risk of osteoporosis and/or heart disease.

The Art of Aging Well & Osteoporosis

The good news is several lifestyle choices will help support bone health:

  • Get Outside – Vitamin D helps your body absorb and maintain calcium – 10 minutes, two to three times a week, coupled with a vitamin D supplement that helps create healthy bones.
  • Load UP on Greens – Leafy green veggies are high in calcium
  • Pump Some Iron – Strength and muscle mass correlate with bone density
  • Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids – The anti-inflammatory properties improve bone health.

These four simple choices have big pay-offs – not only for bone health but heart health, too.

The Science of Aging Well & Osteoporosis

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy plays an important role – particularly progesterone.

Two hormones work together to replace and build bone throughout our lives.  Estrogen helps replace old or damaged bone, while progesterone helps build new bone.

When progesterone levels drop at menopause, this impacts the building on a new healthy bone,

BHRT helps balance the progesterone levels, which in turn encourages strong, healthy bone growth.

In conclusion – the Art and the Science of Aging Well can positively impact the health of your bones and help prevent osteoporosis in menopausal women.