Abnormal Thyroid Hormone Levels During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of big changes—mood swings, cravings, and, yes, even your thyroid! This tiny gland in your neck plays a big role in keeping both you and your baby healthy.
Am I Too Young to Have Osteoporosis?
While osteoporosis is often associated with aging, it can affect people of all ages.
At The Endocrine Center in Houston, Texas, we often see patients who are unaware they might be at risk. Understanding the relationship between age and osteoporosis is the first step toward prevention and treatment.
Here’s what you need to know about how age affects bone health and how to protect yourself no matter your stage in life.
Osteoporosis basics
Osteoporosis is when bones get weak and brittle due to decreased bone density and mass, making them more prone to fractures, even from minor falls or injuries. The condition is typically “silent,” meaning it doesn’t show symptoms until a fracture occurs. While it usually affects older adults, it can occasionally develop earlier in life.
Common symptoms of osteoporosis include:
- Persistent back pain
- Loss of height over time
- A hunched or stooped posture
- Bones that break easily
If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you’re worried about developing osteoporosis, call The Endocrine Center for a bone density test. It’s quick, painless, and provides valuable insight into your bone health.
How age impacts bone health
Your bones naturally reach their peak density and strength around age 30. After that, the process of bone breakdown starts to outpace bone rebuilding. Aging accelerates this imbalance, making older adults more susceptible to osteoporosis. However, there are instances when osteoporosis can appear earlier.
Early-onset osteoporosis
Though osteoporosis before age 50 is rare, certain medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and genetic factors can increase the risk for younger people.
Risk factors for early-onset osteoporosis include:
- Chronic conditions such as celiac disease, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Hormonal disorders like hyperthyroidism or low sex hormones (such as women with early menopause or men with hypogonadism)
- Prolonged use of medications like corticosteroids
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially in calcium and vitamin D
- Smoking, heavy alcohol use, or a sedentary lifestyle
Why women are particularly at risk
Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, partly because their bones are smaller and thinner but also because of the drop in estrogen during menopause, which accelerates bone loss. For younger women, amenorrhea — loss of menstruation from low body weight or extreme exercise — can also weaken bones.
How to protect your bones at any age
You can give yourself the best chance of preventing osteoporosis by focusing on your bone health. Here’s how:
Prioritize a nutrient-rich diet
Calcium and vitamin D — think dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods — are the building blocks of bone health. If you’re lactose intolerant, try plant-based alternatives like almond milk fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Stay active
Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, and strength training can help bolster your bones and slow bone loss at any age.
Avoid harmful habits
Smoking and drinking alcohol excessively are both linked to reduced bone density. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can help.
Get regular checkups
Keep an eye on your bones, particularly if you have risk factors such as a family history of osteoporosis, chronic illness, or long-term use of corticosteroids.
Know your bone density
If you’re at higher risk or you’re experiencing symptoms, we may recommend a DEXA scan to measure your bone strength and density.
Consider supplements and medications
Supplements can fill the gap if your calcium and vitamin D intake from foods is insufficient. If you have moderate to severe osteoporosis, we may prescribe medication to slow bone loss or stimulate bone growth.
See osteoporosis differently
Age is an important factor, but it’s not the sole determinant of your risk for osteoporosis. While osteoporosis is more common in older adults, no one is too young to start thinking about bone health.
If you’re concerned about your risk, call The Endocrine Center or request an appointment online. Our specialists are experts in bone health and offer comprehensive care, including on-site bone density tests and personalized treatment plans.
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