Understanding Osteoporosis and
Bone Density Testing
What is osteoporosis?
As we age, our bone mass declines faster
than new bone can form. This can result in
osteoporosis, or "porous bones," a potentially crippling disease that makes bones weak and
susceptible to ractures.
 It is called the "silent disease" because loss of bone mass has no symptoms and usually causes no pain until a bone fractures (breaks).
The hip, spine and wrist bones are the ones
most affected by osteoporosis. Hip fracture
can result in disability and loss of mobility and independence. Spinal fractures cause a loss of height, severe back pain and curving of the
shoulders and spine.
Osteoporosis
and women
Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis because they have less bone tissue than men. At menopause, women rapidly lose more bone mass as their estrogen levels decline.
Fact: 50% of women will have an
osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
What are the potential risk factors?
Being female — More than 28 million persons
in the United StatesÑ80 percent of whom are
women — have or are at risk.
Menopausal and post-menopausal women — (including early or surgically-induced menopause) are at greatest risk because of loss of estrogen which helps maintain bone strength.
Age — Your risk increases as you age.
Culture or ethnicity — People of Caucasian or Asian descent have a higher risk for osteoporosis.
Bone structure — Small-boned and thin women are at greater risk.
Dietary factors — Calcium and Vitamin D
deficiencies in your diet contribute to osteoporosis.
Inactivity — Lack of exercise.
Cigarettes and coffee — Smoking and drinking more than two cups of coffee a day.
Family history of osteoporosis — Several studies have strongly suggested that genetic factors help determine bone density.
Medications — Some medications, if taken for a long time, can contribute to bone loss.
Prevention and treatment
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, it
may be prevented and treated. Taking steps
now to prevent osteoporosis or to slow its
progress including:
Diet — Women over the age of 50 need at least
1,200 milligrams of calcium with at least 400 units
of Vitamin D every day either from calcium-rich foods or supplements.
Exercise — Regular exercise is important in
maintaining bone mass and increasing strength. Physical activities that help keep bones strong are weight-bearing exercises like walking and bicycling, resistance exercise such as weight training, and
non-weight bearing exercises such as swimming.
Smoking — Women who smoke, particularly after menopause, have a significantly greater chance of bone loss.
Who should have a Bone Densitometry test?
- All women 65 and older.
- Post-menopausal women with one or
more risk factors.
- All post-menopausal women who have
a fracture.
If you are having these symptoms, call your your doctor.
What are the risks?
There can be some risks involved with certain
diagnostic procedures, and in most cases they
are relatively minor. Please ask your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits so that you are
fully informed about any tests you may have.
Be a partner in your health
decisions
Women must be their own best advocates
and take responsibility for their health.
A good way to do that is by committing
to routine screening exams, such as Pap
smears and mammograms, as recommended
by your doctor.
Call the Women's Health Imaging Center
to schedule your appointment for your
mammogram, bone density test, ultrasound exam or breast MRI.
For information about our seminars call 909.335.5574 |
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