Menopause Matters: Osteoporosis

Survey: What do you know about your bones?

Menopause Matters has previously run questionnaires on aspects of the menopause and has examined how well informed health professionals and the public are on issues affected by menopause. Topics have included sexual health, heart health, bladder and bowel health. These findings have been published and presented nationally and internationally and have influenced clinical practice as well as empowering women to make changes and seek professional help.

The Silent Disease

Bone health is another important aspect, which is affected by menopause. Osteoporosis (fragile bones) and osteoporotic fractures affect many women, with 1 in 2 women now expected to suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. It is hoped that this questionnaire will shed some light on current awareness, and will lead to an increased understanding of the problem, and of preventive measures that can be taken.

What is your age group?

Menopausal status
Pre-menopausal: Still having regular periods with the potential to become pregnant naturally. Early Menopause: The average age of the natural menopause is 51 years, but can occur much earlier or later. Menopause occurring before the age of 45 is called early menopause Premature menopause: Menopause occurred under the age of 40 Perimenopause: the stage from the beginning of menopausal symptoms to the post- menopause. Menopause: the last menstrual period. Periods stop because the low levels of estrogen and progesterone do not stimulate the lining of the womb (endometrium) in the normal cycle. Hormone levels can fluctuate for several years before eventually becoming so low that the endometrium stays thin and does not bleed. Postmenopause: the time following the last period and is usually defined as more than 12 months with no periods in someone who has their ovaries, or immediately following surgery if the ovaries are removed.
Which of the following might you apply to yourself?
Smoker Have poor balance Have poor co-ordination? Drink alcohol more than 14 units a week? In the UK, one unit is equal to eight grams of alcohol. To help you picture what this looks like, the following drinks contain one unit of alcohol: A single pub measure (25ml) of whisky, gin or brandy. Half a pint of beer or cider. One small glass (125ml) of table wine is one and a half units.
Your weight. Are you:
Underweight Correct weight Overweight
What do you see as the main factors which increase the risk of osteoporosis?
Age Being Female Being Male Genetics Smoking Decreasing estrogen levels Being overweight Being underweight Race / Ethnicity Inactivity
What foods do you think help with maintaining bone health?
Oily fish Dairy products Eggs Leafy vegetables
What exercises do you think are good for maintaining good bone health?
Walking Weights High impact exercise: Examples include: Star jumps, basketball, field events, high level jumping Moderate impact exercise: Examples include: Team & racket sports, jogging or running, low level jumping Low impact exercise: Examples include: Walks, brisk walking, stair climbing
Do you think early/premature menopause affects bone health?
Yes No Don't Know
Have you experienced an early menopause?
Yes No
If you underwent an early or premature menopause have you ever suffered a fracture from a fall since then?
Yes No
If you underwent an early or premature menopause were you offered hormone therapy for bone health as well as menopausal symptom control?
Yes No
Which of these do you think can be symptoms of osteoporotic fracture?
Stooping with rounded shoulders Back pain Height reduction
With osteoporosis, attention should be paid to reduce the risk of falling as well as improving bone health. Which of these do you think can affect the risk of falling?
Muscle strength Balance Medications Eyesight Having to get up through the night
Which of these do you think can help maintain bone health for peri and post menopausal women?
Diet Exercise HRT Vitamin C and D supplements - particularly in winter Calcium supplements

THIS SURVEY HAS CLOSED

Survey: What do you know about your bones?