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Health and Wellness 3 minute read

What Every Woman Should Know About Osteoporosis

1 in 2 women over 50 will fracture a bone due to osteoporosis. Dr. Wijesinghe shares key steps to protect your bone health at any age.
All categories Health and Wellness Primary Care Women's Health Dignity Health Medical Group

By Thushari Wijesinghe, MD, Family Medicine, Dignity Health Medical Group – Ventura

Here's a startling statistic: 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 will suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis. That's not a rare occurrence. That's half of all women in that age group. Yet many women don't think about their bone health until a fracture or diagnosis occurs.

Thushari Wijesinghe, MD, a Family Medicine Physician with Dignity Health Medical Group – Ventura, is passionate about preventive care and empowering her patients to take charge of their health before problems arise. This includes making bone health part of the everyday conversation, not just a topic reserved for older patients.

"Bone health isn't something we should only start thinking about after a fracture happens," says Dr. Wijesinghe. "The habits and choices we make throughout our lives, especially in our younger years, directly impact our bone density as we age. Prevention is always more powerful than treatment."

It Starts Earlier Than You Think

Many women assume osteoporosis is simply an inevitable part of aging. The truth is, bone density peaks in your late 20s and gradually declines afterward. Building strong bones is a lifelong process that benefits you in your 50s, 60s and beyond.

Key Steps to Protect Your Bones

  • Move your body: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, dancing, and resistance training help build and maintain bone mass at any age. Even moderate, consistent movement can make a meaningful difference over time.

  • Fuel your bones: Most people know calcium is important, but bone health also relies on adequate magnesium, vitamin K, protein and anti-inflammatory foods. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports your skeleton.

  • Get screened: The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends bone density scans (DEXA scans) for women aged 65 and older. It recommends earlier screenings for those at increased risk. Early screening allows for timely intervention before significant bone loss occurs.

  • Know your risk: Family history, body weight, smoking, alcohol consumption and certain medications can all affect bone density. Understanding your personal risk factors is the first step toward taking action.

  • Don't forget vitamin D: Calcium can't do its job without adequate vitamin D. Many women are deficient without knowing it. Ask your doctor to check your levels at your next visit.

Take the First Step Today

Bone health is an important part of long-term wellness for women of all ages. Whether you're in your 30s building peak bone mass or in your 60s working to preserve what you have, you can take steps to strengthen your foundation. 

Schedule a visit with Dr. Wijesinghe, or find a doctor near you to discuss your risk factors, explore screening options and create a plan tailored to your needs.