Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to an increased risk of fractures, typically in the hip, spine and wrist.
Some key facts about osteoporosis:
- It is often called a "silent disease" as there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs
- It affects approximately 10 million Americans
- Women are at higher risk as estrogen levels drop sharply at menopause
- Building strong bones when young can help prevent osteoporosis later in life
What causes osteoporosis?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of osteoporosis:
- Aging - Bone density peaks around age 30 and declines with age
- Hormone levels - Lower estrogen levels in women at menopause leads to accelerated bone loss
- Genetics & lifestyle - Family history, smoking, low calcium intake, and lack of exercise
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Doctors utilize several methods to diagnose osteoporosis:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) tests - Specialized x-rays that detect low bone mass
- Blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions
- Medical history evaluation for risk factors
How can you prevent and treat osteoporosis?
There are various prevention and treatment strategies:
- Weight-bearing exercise to build bone mass before age 30
- Getting enough calcium and vitamin D
- Not smoking and limiting alcohol intake
- Medications like bisphosphonates to slow bone loss
- Hormone therapy with estrogen to reduce fracture risk
At HormoneHealth Clinic, we specialize in hormonal treatments personalized for osteoporosis prevention and management in both women and men. Our comprehensive programs measure hormone levels and address imbalances through bioidentical hormones, nutrition planning and supplements to
strengthen your bones. Contact us today for a consultation with our osteoporosis specialists.