The Emotional Effects of Osteoporosis: Put Away Your Super Woman Cape!
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As women, we tend to do everything ourselves, tending to the needs of everyone around us, and frequently, if not always, putting our needs, wants, and feelings on the back burner. Even when we are saddled with illness or disease, we put on our Super Woman cape and parade around as if nothing or no one can harm us or debilitate us. However, it is important to realize that you can release the cape and recognize that you are only human. Are you a woman? Yes. Are you super? Most certainly. Must you always be Super Woman? No way. You are human, and that is what is most important.
When struggling with osteoporosis, we are all probably familiar with the physical effects of the disease, but what about the emotional toll it takes on people? Those are rarely seen by others, yet they weigh most heavily on the patient, sometimes becoming more difficult than the disease itself.
While the emotional effects of osteoporosis will vary among individuals, what is most important is for one to realize she is never alone in this battle, this journey, and this challenge. As with any situation in life, emotions play a pivotal role, and it is vitally important that you feel open to express how you are feeling, or, at the very least, to record your thoughts and emotions into a journal.
One of the most paralyzing aspects of osteoporosis is the realization that if you do sustain a fall, you can easily fracture a bone. That sense of insecurity alone can be debilitating. You may feel scared to even leave your own home. When you begin to feel this way, it is important to recognize that you do not have to abandon your daily routine and set of activities. While your doctor may suggest that you curtail some of your activities, you do not have to completely isolate yourself. However, just make sure that you follow the guidelines set forth by your physician, ensuring that your best interests are in mind.
My 106-year-old grandmother has been dealing with osteoporosis for over a decade, but she has rarely let it interfere with her life.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Hi Ann,
February 22, 2011 - 5:28pmThank you for your article. So true! Most women and doctors don't realize that two of the major contributors to osteoporosis in women (along with Vitamin D deficiency) are estrogen and progesterone deficiencies that start during perimenopause/menopause and continue during postmenopause.
Estrogen and progesterone deficiencies also lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, heart palpitations, urinary incontinence, and/or hot flashes in many women. The best treatment is always prevention, so I recommend using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as soon as a problem is detected. That means women should be regularly checking their hormone levels with a doctor who knows how to interpret the results.
Estrogen, as opposed to osteoporosis medications, preserves the intervertebral discs in the spine and so can also help women maintain their height. Click on link below for reference:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19723683
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