What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone density and deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to an increased risk of bone fractures, especially in the hip, spine and wrist.
Some key things to know about osteoporosis:
- It develops when bone resorption outpaces bone formation. This means the body is breaking down bone faster than it can rebuild new bone.
- Establishing peak bone mass in youth and young adulthood can help stave off osteoporosis later in life. This is why an adequate calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise are important developmental factors.
- Postmenopausal women are at highest risk due to the bone-protective effects of estrogen rapidly declining after menopause. This can lead to accelerated bone loss.
- Major risk factors include family history, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Long-term corticosteroid therapy also increases osteoporosis risk.
- Fractures are the primary complication. These most often occur in the hip, spine and wrist, leading to substantial pain, disability and even early mortality.
- Screening for osteoporosis risk includes having one's bone mineral density (BMD) tested via central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). DXA scans can diagnose osteoporosis and track changes over time.
- Treatment may include weight-bearing exercise, smoking/alcohol cessation, fall prevention strategies, and medication. Bisphosphonates are first-line medications that can both treat and prevent osteoporosis for those at high risk.
The endocrinologists at Renewal Hormone Clinic specialize in bone health and osteoporosis management. Their individualized treatment plans couple lifestyle changes with leading-edge therapies to build bone density and dramatically reduce one's risk of debilitating fractures. I highly recommend consulting their compassionate, ^award-winning team if you have risk factors or concerns about fragile bones. Safeguarding long-term mobility and independence is their top priority.