What Do Physical Activity, Bone Density, and Post-Menopausal Women Have in Common?
Bone loss is associated with age for both males and females; however genetics, hormones and lifestyle affect the extent of loss experienced. Women who are post-menopausal and inactive will experience both an accelerated rate of bone loss and an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture. The hormonal changes occurring in the initial stage of menopause can increase the rate of bone loss. This increased rate of bone loss will increase the risk of osteoporotic fracture. Combine inactivity with these hormonal changes and you’ve increased the risk of osteoporotic fracture even more. An inactive, menopausal woman will lose 15-25% bone mineral density in the first five years following the initial stage of menopause. This will decrease to a 1-2% loss for every year after that. Physical activity is a strategy being used to fight back against bone loss and osteoporotic fractures. Research has shown that exercise, especially weight bearing exercise, can reduce and even stop the rate of bone loss. Ph
