Experts point out that osteoporosis is becoming more common due to increased life expectancy and unhealthy lifestyles, and they note that it is more severe in older women as a result of hormonal changes.

On World Osteoporosis Day, October 20, Neurosurgeon Dr. İdris Avcı issued important warnings to women looking to protect their bone health, stating, “Women over the age of 65 should undergo annual bone densitometry tests.”

Dr. İdris Avcı, a Neurosurgeon at Üsküdar University’s NPİSTANBUL Hospital, provided recommendations on bone health for women in light of World Osteoporosis Day.

Osteoporosis is increasingly common with longer life expectancy.

Highlighting that osteoporosis is more frequently observed due to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and longer life spans, Dr. İdris Avcı explained, “Both men and women are at risk of developing osteoporosis, but it is more severe in older women due to hormonal changes. Long-term steroid use, dialysis, and individuals with a history of organ transplants who are immunosuppressive (with weakened or less active immune systems) may experience osteoporosis at a younger age. As bone density decreases, the load on the bones that support our bodies, particularly the spine, hips, and knee joints, increases. This can lead to severe back, waist, and hip pain, reduced walking distance, and even bone fractures from minor traumas. Therefore, we must take early steps to protect our bone health.”

The Importance of Calcium and Magnesium-Rich Nutrition from Childhood

Neurosurgeon Dr. İdris Avcı emphasized that bone density decreases with age and everyone is at risk for osteoporosis, stating, “By consuming foods rich in calcium and magnesium from childhood (such as green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, dairy products), we can increase our reserves. By paying attention to weight management with regular exercise, we can reduce the load on our bones and strengthen our muscle system. It has also been proven that vitamin D deficiency contributes to osteoporosis. Therefore, we should spend as much time outdoors in fresh air as possible and benefit from sunlight. For those who spend most of their day indoors, such as office workers, vitamin D supplements may be necessary.”

Women Over 65 Should Undergo Annual Bone Densitometry Tests

Dr. Avcı also noted that those diagnosed with osteoporosis should definitely be examined by spine surgeons and endocrinologists, adding, “The Osteoporosis Research and Prevention Association recommends that women over 65 have annual bone densitometry tests. For those with diabetes, long-term steroid use, and immunosuppressive individuals, bone screening tests are recommended at an earlier age based on the risk factors determined by endocrinologists and spine surgeons. In men, the data is not as clear, and routine bone densitometry is only advised in specific cases.”