Lifestyle and Potential Risk of Osteoporosis in Menopausal Women

Abstract

Introduction: Lifestyle and risk factors prevention is essential to maintain good health in menopausal women. Osteoporosis occurs more often due to lower levels of the female hormone estrogen, which contributes to maintain healthy bone tissue. Bone loss after menopause is more serious in women with surgically removed ovaries and early menopause, or in cancer patients treated with certain medications.Purpose of the study: To establish the lifestyle and the potential risk of osteoporosis in working menopausal women and to propose an indicative plan for prevention.Materials and methods: An anonymous survey among 255 working women over 50 years of age on the territory of Stara Zagora was conducted, within the framework of a research project of the Medical College, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.Results and discussion: Age distribution shows that the highest percentage are women aged 51-60 years (52.16%), followed by those aged 46-50 (20.78%). The percentage of surveyed menopausal women is high (72.80%). Physically active at their workplace are more than half of the surveyed (58.82%), and physically active during their household chores are 76%. More than half of surveyed (55,38%) spend on average 6 to 8 hours in the sitting position and almost the same percentage (51.98) are in active movement between 4 to 6 hours.Conclusion: Lifestyle (physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress prevention, and other risk factors are important for prophylaxis and can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women.