VA Women’s Health Takes on Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to weaken and become more susceptible to breaks. Dubbed a “silent disease,” one in five women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis but many go undiagnosed until they break a bone.

Fractures of the hip, wrist and spine, joint and back pain, and a reduction in height due to diminished posture are common symptoms of osteoporosis. In extreme cases, these symptoms can become disabling and may leave Veterans struggling to do the activities they once loved.

Thankfully, osteoporosis can be prevented through screening and lifestyle changes. Shana Balogun, Women Veterans Program Manager at the Washington DC VA Medical Center’s Women’s Health Clinic, encourages Veterans to talk with their primary care provider to establish a preventative care plan.

“As you approach 50 and go beyond, you start to lose bone density. But there are steps you can take, like eating healthy and exercising, to prevent that loss,” said Balogun. “We use preventative health screening to ensure patients are aware of the things they can control and steps they can take to promote longevity and reduce the risk of falls and fractures which may be caused by osteoporosis.”

Steps you can take to strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis include:

• Not smoking
• Doing regular, weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or dancing
• Getting enough calcium and vitamin D through eating a nutritious diet and spending regular time outside in the sun
• Visiting your VA health care provider regularly

The VA recommends Women Veterans schedule a Dual-Energy Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis.  This scan measures bone density, or the amount of bone mineral inside of your bones that impact their strength and thickness. The DEXA scan is a painless procedure that tells your primary care provider how strong your bones are and if you have or are at risk to have osteoporosis.

Your primary care provider may schedule you for a DEXA scan before 65 if you have any of the following risk factors:

• Having a family history of osteoporosis
• Being past menopause
• Having a small, thin body (weighing less than 127 pounds)
• Not receiving enough calcium or vitamin D
• Having a sedentary lifestyle
• Having an eating disorder
• Smoking
• Taking certain medications
• Drinking excessive alcohol

Regardless of your risk level for osteoporosis, your primary care provider can work with the Center for Women’s Health to create a plan to help you build or maintain bone health.   

“We take the time to provide a wholistic screening assessment to determine what each Veteran may need,” said Balogun. “If you were a smoker in the military, you are at more of a risk for osteoporosis, so we can set you up with our smoking cessation program. If you don’t have as many opportunities to be active now, we connect you with the VA MOVE Program. The DC VAMC has so many resources available to help promote a healthy lifestyle, longevity and fulfillment, and we want to connect you to the appropriate resources.”

To speak with your primary care provider about osteoporosis, schedule an appointment at 202-745-8000, Ext. 58577.

Women Veterans can also text or chat online with the VA’s Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636. Trained women representatives can:

• Help you get enrolled in VA health care if you’re not already
• Help you set up an appointment in your area
• Answer your questions about benefits and eligibility
• Help you find out what resources or services are available at your VA

Take charge of your health and learn more about VA bone-health services for women Veterans.