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The Silent Thief: How Osteoporosis Can Sneak Up on You

The Silent Thief: How Osteoporosis Can Sneak Up on You

Osteoporosis is often called “the silent thief” because it gradually weakens your bones without any warning signs. Many people don’t realize they have it until they experience a fracture—by then, significant bone loss may have already occurred.

Bone Loss Happens Silently

Osteoporosis doesn’t cause pain or discomfort until a fracture occurs. Your bones may be weakening for years without you knowing it. Often, a minor fall or even routine activities can result in a break, revealing the underlying issue.

Are You at Risk?

While women over 50 and men over 70 face the highest risk, osteoporosis can affect people of all ages. Common risk factors include:

  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Sedentary lifestyle with little weight-bearing exercise
  • Poor nutrition lacking essential bone-supporting nutrients
  • Poor gut health
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Low body weight
  • Hormonal imbalances, such as low estrogen in women

Bone Density Testing: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Bone density scans, like DEXA or REMS Echolight, are the best way to assess your bone health. Unfortunately, current guidelines recommend screening for women at 65 and older, even though the most significant bone loss occurs within the first 5-7 years after menopause. Waiting until 65 can increase your risk and reduce the opportunity to slow bone loss.

Early screening is key to protecting your bones before fractures happen.

I highly recommend Echolight technology, which provides insights into both bone density and quality, offering a more complete picture of bone health. Plus, since it doesn’t use X-rays, you can safely get tested earlier.

Building Your Bone Bank: Why It Matters for Life

Many people think bone health is only important later in life, but it starts in childhood and adolescence. During these years, your body builds peak bone mass—the highest bone density you’ll ever achieve.

Think of your bones like a savings account:

  • If you reach 100% of your peak bone mass in your 20s, your bones will remain strong for decades.
  • If you only reach 80%, the natural bone loss during menopause could leave your bones dangerously weak.

Investing in bone health early helps your body withstand aging-related bone loss.

The Impact of Lifestyle Choices

Young adults with poor diets and sedentary lifestyles may fail to build strong bones, increasing their risk of early fractures. However, young female athletes face a unique challenge. While high-impact sports strengthen bones, excessive training without proper nutrition and recovery can weaken them, leading to stress fractures and osteoporosis.

If you have a daughter, granddaughter, or young woman in your life, share this information with them! The choices they make today will impact their bone health for years to come.

It’s Never Too Late to Take Action

Even if you didn’t reach peak bone mass in your youth, you can still support your bones now by:

  • Eating a nutrient-rich diet with adequate calcium and minerals
  • Optimizing digestion and gut health
  • Engaging in daily weight-bearing and resistance exercises
  • Managing stress effectively

No matter your age, you can take steps to strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of fractures.

Want to Learn More?

Join me for my upcoming webinar, Debunking the 7 Common Myths About Osteoporosis,” where I’ll share practical strategies to help you build and maintain strong bones.

Sign up HERE!

Susan Brady

Master of Physical Therapy Doctor of Integrative Medicine Certified Integrative Health and Nutritionist

With over 30 years of experience in physical therapy, specializing in treating osteoporosis and musculoskeletal conditions, I have developed my BONES Method™—a holistic approach that naturally supports every aspect of bone health. This comprehensive method is designed to strengthen your bones, enhance overall well-being, and promote a balanced, vibrant life.