Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones develop large holes, making them very porous and vulnerable to fracture. As endocrinology specialists, the Capital Endocrine & Diabetes team specializes in treating both osteoporosis and the disorders that can contribute to it. 

The specialists also treat other bone conditions, including osteopenia — bone weakening that happens before osteoporosis — and osteomalacia — bone softening, typically related to vitamin D deficiency. 

Am I at risk for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis has well-known risk factors, including:

• Sex - women are four times more likely than men to have osteoporosis after age 50 
• Family history of osteoporosis 
• Poor nutrition
• Calcium deficiency
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Early menopause
• Being underweight
• Small body frame
• History of cigarette smoking
• Long-term use of corticosteroids, blood thinners, or anti-seizure drugs
• Lack of exercise
• Hormone imbalance  
• Adrenal disorders
• Thyroid disorders
• Pituitary disorders
• Malabsorption disorders like celiac disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic hepatitis C

These are just some of the risk factors for osteoporosis, so it's important to pay attention to any changes in your health and seek care promptly, especially as you age.

How does osteoporosis testing work?

Because osteoporosis is generally a painless condition, many people don't know that they have it until they break a bone. 

The most effective way to diagnose osteoporosis is a bone density test. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan checks the bone density in two important areas: your hip and spine. 

The team at Capital Endocrine & Diabetes may recommend this scan if you break a bone and have any risk factors for osteoporosis. Or, you may need a DXA scan if you start losing height or have other suspicious symptoms that could indicate osteoporosis. 

Even people with no risk factors for osteoporosis need a bone density scan; age 65 for women and 70 for men.

Is osteoporosis treatable?

Osteoporosis is treatable, but earlier treatment provides the best results. The team at Capital Endocrine & Diabetes can help you with lifestyle changes like weight loss, nutritional support, and supplements. They can also prescribe oral or injectable medication to prevent bone loss and help you rebuild lost bone. 

You may need to make some medication changes to minimize your risk of osteoporotic fractures as well.

If you need osteoporosis testing or treatment, call Capital Endocrine & Diabetes or book an appointment online today.