osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, causing them to become brittle and prone to fractures. Basically, osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass. Normally, bone is continuously being remodeled by removal of old bone and formation of new bone. When removal exceeds formation, bone mass decreases and bones weaken.

Osteoporosis and its associated fractures can rob a person of their mobility and independence. It is estimated that at age 50 a woman has nearly a 40 per cent chance of developing an osteoporotic fracture during her remaining life time. A woman's life time risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combines risk of developing breast, uterine, AND ovarian cancer. A 50-year-old woman is just as likely to die from the complications of osteoporosis as from breast cancer. And osteoporotic fractures are 4 times more common than strokes.

Osteoporosis is still undiagnosed and untreated in over 15 million individuals. One study estimates that up to 20 per cent of American women over 50 may be osteoporotic.

Can Men have Osteoporosis too?

Yes, they can. Twenty per cent of all cases of osteoporosis occurs in men. One in every eight men over 50 will have an osteo-related fracture.

Risk Factors

The risk factors are the same for women and men with the very important inclusion of menopause in women. Other risk factors include:

Caucasian race or Asian ethnicity
Lifestyle factors of inactivity
Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
Smoking
Thin, small build
Chronic use of steroids
Excessive thyroid hormones
Certain anticonvulsants

What is a Bone Density Measurement?

A bone density measurement is a test to determine your bone mineral density (BMD) for the area measured and compare that result with the average BMD of your adult normals of your sex and race at their peak BMD. This information helps our doctors determine if you need to take certain steps to protect your bone health. Bone density measurement is simple, safe, noninvasive, and painless. Patients do not even need to undress.

How long does a Measurement take?

A measurement takes from seven to ten minutes. The patient is asked to be very still during this time.

What should I Wear?

Comfortable, everyday clothing is fine for the testing. The clothing should not have zippers or metal buttons.

Why am I hearing so much about Osteoporosis now, and what if my BMD does indicate Osteoporotic Problems?

As Americans continue to live longer, problems that develop in later life such as osteoporosis become more frequent. Fortunately, several medications offer new treatments for osteoporosis.

LINKS TO INFORMATION ON OSTEOPOROSIS