Bone Density Screening
A bone density screening is an essential test to detect the early stages of osteoporosis.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones and makes them more likely to break. It occurs most commonly in women after menopause, and is partly attributable to hormonal changes in the body.
Throughout your life, your body constantly remodels its bones, breaking down some bone for resorption and creating new bone. In healthy bone, these processes are in balance. A decrease in estrogen production can throw this process out of balance, leading to a gradual decrease in the density of the bone. This makes the bone brittle and much more prone to breakage.
Calcium also plays a role. The body needs to calcium to build bone, but calcium is also essential for maintaining the muscles and nervous system. When the body has too little calcium, it takes it from the bones to use for muscle and the nervous system.
Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis. Hormonal changes associated with menopause reduce the amount of calcium the body is able to absorb from food, contributing further to bone breakdown.
Am I at risk for osteoporosis?
The two greatest risk factors for osteoporosis are advanced age and female gender. There’s nothing you can do to change these, but there are a number of lifestyle choices that can increase or decrease your risk.
How is osteoporosis treated?
Medications are now available to treat osteoporosis, including bisphosphonates (Bovina, Fosamax, Actonel), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like Raloxifene, and a variety of other hormone therapies. Each woman’s situation is unique, and the decision to take replacement hormones should only be undertaken after careful consideration with your doctor.
When purchasing calcium supplements, look for a formulation containing vitamin D. Low-fat or non-fat dairy products make it possible to maintain proper calcium intake even when you are dieting.
Exercise is an excellent preventative measure. If you have been told you have osteoporosis, it is important to consult with us before beginning an exercise program.
