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A: All people lose bone as they age. For women, that process starts to accelerate when they enter menopause. One important reason for that is the lower level of estrogen in a woman's body after menopause begins, as estrogen helps to build bone.

Osteoporosis is not inevitable, and there's much you can do to shield your bones from this disease.

The basics of protecting your bones remain the same throughout your life. But there are additional factors you should consider as you get older.

-âIf you haven't yet started menopause, focus on attaining and maintaining as much bone mass as possible. The more bone mass you have as you enter menopause, the less likely it is that you will develop osteoporosis. That's both scientifically proven and common sense.

-âMonitor your diet. Get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Dairy products are a rich source of calcium. Particularly if your cholesterol levels are on the high side, use low-fat dairy products. And a growing number of foods, such as orange juice, are calcium-fortified.

-âAvoid cigarettes and too much alcohol. Both decrease bone mass.

-âDo weight-bearing exercises regularly, as they protect your bones. Inside your bones are two types of cells. One type builds up bone and the other breaks it down. Exercise stimulates the first type and inhibits the second type.


-âAssess your risk. Talk to your doctor about whether you should have a bone density test. The preferred test is dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This test is recommended for all women ages 60-65. You're in your 40s, so you and your doctor should consider whether you are at particular risk for developing osteoporosis. If so, this test could provide valuable information.

-âRe-evaluate your exercise regimen. As you age, you may need more exercise to keep from losing ground. Incorporate weights into your routine if you haven't already.


-âEnhance your exercise routine. Learn tai chi or another exercise that improves balance and coordination to help prevent falls.

-âConsider medication. If your bone density is below normal, talk to your doctor about whether you should take a preventive medication.
