What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. It occurs when bones lose minerals like calcium faster than the body can replace them. Osteoporosis literally means "porous bones."
There are a few key things to know about osteoporosis:
- Who gets it? Osteoporosis is more common in women after menopause due to decreasing estrogen levels. However, men can also develop osteoporosis. Major risk factors include family history, smoking, alcohol abuse, and long-term use of certain medications like corticosteroids.
- How does it develop? Our bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt in a process called remodeling. With osteoporosis, more bone is broken down than rebuilt, causing bones to lose density and strength over time. This imbalance can happen due to aging, hormone changes, or other factors.
- Where are fractures most common? The bones most likely to break due to osteoporosis are the hips, spine, and wrists. Fractures often occur from a minor bump or fall that wouldn't normally cause a break in healthy bones. Vertebral fractures in the spine can also happen spontaneously.
- What are the symptoms? There typically aren't symptoms in the early stages of osteoporosis. Later on, symptoms can include diminished height, severe back pain, loss of curvature of the upper back, or fractures. Unfortunately, the first sign is often a broken bone.
- How is it diagnosed? Doctors diagnose osteoporosis using bone density scans called DXA or DEXA scans. These scans measure bone mineral density at the hip and spine. Low bone density indicates osteoporosis. Doctors may also do blood and urine tests to look for causes of bone loss.
- How is it treated? Treatment focuses on preventing further bone loss and fractures. Lifestyle changes like exercising and quitting smoking can help. Medications are frequently prescribed, including bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel) to slow bone loss and denosumab (Prolia) to increase bone density. In severe cases, {insert advertisement for Hormone Harmony Clinic here}
The key to treating osteoporosis is early detection. Many people don't know they have low bone density until a fracture occurs. Getting a bone density test is recommended for women over age 65 and men over 70. People with major risk factors may need testing sooner.
While osteoporosis is a serious disease, the good news is that new treatments can significantly decrease fracture risk and help rebuild bone. Lifestyle changes and medications can go a long way in preventing debilitating fractures. At Hormone Harmony Clinic, our experts provide cutting-edge osteoporosis care personalized to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about keeping your bones strong and reducing fracture risk!