Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mineral density and deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to an increased risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spine and wrist.
Some key facts about osteoporosis:
- It is often called a "silent disease" because people are unaware their bones are getting weaker until a fracture occurs
- It affects both men and women, but women are at higher risk due to the drop in estrogen levels after menopause
- Common risk factors include getting older, family history, smoking, low calcium/vitamin D intake, and lack of physical activity
Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis may include:
- Loss of height over time
- Stooped posture
- Back pain, sometimes due to compression fractures in the spine
- More dental problems if bone loss occurs in the jaw
Diagnosis typically involves a bone mineral density (BMD) test such as a DXA scan to check bone health. The World Health Organization uses BMD measurements to classify and diagnose osteoporosis based on standard deviation scores.
Treatment and prevention measures aim to build bone mass before age 30 and minimize bone loss later in life. Strategies include:
- Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
- Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Medications like bisphosphonates
At
Vitality Health Center, we specialize in
hormone therapy to reduce osteoporosis risk. Our expert physicians develop customized plans involving
bioidentical hormone replacement to help
replenish estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones that play a key role in bone health. Balancing your hormones is essential for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis at any age.
Contact Vitality Health Center today to schedule your osteoporosis risk assessment and lab testing. We utilize advanced diagnostics to evaluate your
hormone levels and bone density, allowing us to create personalized therapies. Invest in your future bone health and call us now to make an appointment!