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OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture usually requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.

Who is at risk?

Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others are. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis are called "risk factors".

These risk factors include:

  • Personal history of fracture after age 50
  • Current low bone mass
  • History of fracture in a 1° relative
  • Being female · Being thin and/or having a small frame
  • Advanced age
  • A family history of osteoporosis
  • Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially early or surgically induced
  • Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Low lifetime calcium intake
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
  • Presence of certain chronic medical conditions
  • Low testosterone levels in men
  • An inactive lifestyle
  • Current cigarette smoking
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Being Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well

Women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Detecting Osteoporosis

Specialized tests called bone density tests can measure bone density in various sites of the body.

A bone density test can:

  • Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.
  • Predict your chances of fracturing in the future.
  • DXA BMD can determine your rate of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment.

Preventing Osteoporosis

There are four steps, which together, can optimize bone health and help prevent osteoporosis.

They are:

  • A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
  • Weight-bearing exercise
  • A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake; and bone density testing and medication when appropriate.
  • Drug therapy for Osteoporosis is constantly evolving and should be individualized.

For a detailed discussion on treatment of Osteoporosis, please consult your Endocrinologist.