Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low bone mass and bone tissue deterioration. This leads to fragile and brittle bones that are at high risk for fractures.
Some key facts about osteoporosis:
- It often develops without symptoms or pain until a fracture occurs
- It affects both men and women, but women are at higher risk due to menopause
- Building strong and healthy bones during childhood and adolescence can help prevent osteoporosis later in life
What causes osteoporosis?
There are several factors that can contribute to poor bone health and osteoporosis:
- Nutritional deficiencies - Low calcium and vitamin D intake can weaken bones over time
- Hormonal changes - Decreases in estrogen levels during menopause can accelerate bone loss
- Medications - Long-term use of corticosteroids like prednisone may lead to bone loss
- Lifestyle factors - Inactive lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake
- Medical conditions - Digestive disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and hyperthyroidism
How is osteoporosis diagnosed and treated?
Doctorsdiagnose osteoporosis using:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) tests - Measure bone strength and identify osteoporosis risk
- Imaging tests - X-rays can detect fractures and vertebral collapse
Some
treatment options include:
- Bisphosphonates to slow bone loss (alendronate, risedronate)
- Estrogen-related therapy for postmenopausal women
- Calcitonin to increase BMD in the spine
- Healthy lifestyle changes - nutrition, exercise, fall prevention
At
Hormone Harmony Clinic, we specialize in natural
hormone therapy to reduce menopause symptoms and
build bone mass. Our customized bioidentical hormone treatments can help establish hormonal balance, increase bone density, and lower fracture risk. Contact us today for a consultation!
Can osteoporosis be prevented?
Yes! Here are some tips to maintain strong healthy bones:
- Consume enough calcium and vitamin D
- Perform regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Have medications reviewed regularly to lower risk of falls
- Get tested early to detect low BMD, especially for high-risk groups
While osteoporosis cannot be cured, early intervention, lifestyle changes, and treatment can help
slow or stop bone loss and
reduce fracture risk. Maintaining healthy strong bones throughout life is key to preventing debilitating bone fractures.