Osteoporosis: Early Signs & Prevention | halloherne.de

Osteoporosis is an important issue, especially for women. They suffer from pathological bone loss much more often than men.

Alarm Signal: Osteoporosis Disproportionately Affects Women

More women in Westphalia-Lippe are diagnosed with osteoporosis than men, highlighting a critical health disparity.

• Women in Herne are significantly more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
• Osteoporosis often goes undetected until significant height loss or fractures occur.
• A calcium-rich diet, vitamin D, and regular exercise are crucial for bone health.
• 5,300 people in Herne were diagnosed and treated for osteoporosis in 2023.

Herne, Germany – Women in Herne should be particularly mindful of their bone health. A recent evaluation revealed that 6.3 percent of women in Westphalia-Lippe are affected by osteoporosis, a condition characterized by bone loss, compared to just 1.3 percent of men. Understanding the risks and taking preventative measures is key to maintaining strong bones throughout life.

The Silent Threat of Bone Loss

“Especially in older people, bone loss is often pathologically increased,” explains a service region manager. “After a drop in estrogen levels, which play a central role in protecting the bones, women after the menopause are particularly at risk, and the risk of bone fractures then increases.” In 2023 alone, 5,300 insured individuals in Herne received a diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis.

Often, early osteoporosis presents no obvious symptoms. Height loss over time can be an indicator, but many individuals don’t realize they’ve experienced small fractures in the spine. These fractures may initially be painless, only becoming noticeable later as persistent back pain or limited mobility develops. A sudden bone break with minimal force is another red flag.

Doctors typically suspect osteoporosis when a fracture occurs without a clear cause. A bone density measurement, known as osteodensitometry, can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include medications to slow bone loss, like bisphosphonates, or to promote bone formation, such as parathyroid hormone. Treatment plans are tailored to individual risk factors, bone density, age, and other health conditions, and ideally begin before fractures occur.

What is important for osteoporosis is a diet with lots of calcium and vitamin D as well as regular exercise to keep the bones more stable.

Fueling Bone Health: Diet and Exercise

“Bone health is at risk in older people, especially women,” says the service region manager. “A calcium-rich diet, avoiding nicotine and alcohol, and regular sporting activities can stop bone loss and even effectively promote it, reducing the risk of bone fractures and other complications.”

Beyond exercise, a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for preventing osteoporosis. The body requires at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily. For those with existing bone loss, doctors often recommend increasing calcium intake to 1,300 milligrams per day. Excellent sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, kale, broccoli, berries, kiwi, dried fruits, soy products, and calcium-rich mineral waters.

“Active calcium transport is dependent on vitamin D. Vitamin D increases calcium transport proteins in the intestine and thereby ensures absorption,” the service region manager explained. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, but in regions like Germany, sufficient UVB radiation is only available during the summer months. Vitamin D supplementation may be necessary during winter.

More information is available at www.aok.de/pk/magazin/, keyword ‘osteoporosis’.

Thursday, February 5, 2026
| Source: AOK