Just highlighting something that was pointed out to me this week.
Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones in women (hence women have to be extra careful after menopause when oestrogen levels plummet).
However, many women are unaware that repeated pregnancies & breastfeeding (both of which lower oestrogen levels) can affect a woman’s bones, especially if these happen close together.
Healthy bones look a bit like the inside of a crunchie (lots of little holes), but the bigger these holes get, the weaker the bone becomes.
The advise I was given was to get a scan (got it done for E20 in chemist in Dundalk) to see where you stand & go from there. It only takes a few minutes & you get a printout placing you in a green (good), amber (ok), red (danger) zone & to watch diet.
I’m to go back when I’m finished with pregnancy / breastfeeding etc & thenthey will redo the test & decide whether I need a calcium supplement & vit d.
The condition of your bones CAN be improved if got in time.
Other risks are
– if you have a small, petite frame or
– if any member of your family (particularly women) had broken hips, lost significant height in old age or had curvature of the spine.
– if you don’t get regular exercise (this strengthens bones)
– if you smoke
Hope this encourages a few of ye to have the scan!