We don’t think about our bones as living tissue, but they are. They are constantly breaking down and rebuilding.

During the first three decades of our life, our bones rebuild faster than they break down. Osteoporosis happens when new bone growth no can’t keep up with old bone loss.

Whom It Affects

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because most people don’t know they have it until they break a hip, wrist, or vertebrae.

It is more common in women, affecting almost one in five over the age of 50. Men can get it too however it only affects one in 20 men over 50.

Non-Hispanic white and Asian women who are well past menopause are at the highest risk for developing osteoporosis.

Other risk factors include having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis, especially if one of your parents ever fractured a hip. Men and women with smaller body frames are also at higher risk because they have less bone mass.

Other Factors

Osteoporosis is more likely to occur in people with too much or too little of certain hormones. A drop in estrogen for women after menopause, or for women taking some breast cancer treatments will accelerate bone loss.

Treatment for prostate cancer will reduce testosterone levels in men and accelerate bone loss. An overactive thyroid can do the same.

A lifelong lack of calcium will increase the chances of developing osteoporosis, as will eating disorders that severely restrict food intake.

Surgery to reduce stomach size or remove part of the intestine has the potential to limit the area that can absorb nutrients, including calcium.

Lifestyle habits can also play a role. Being sedentary, drinking too much, or tobacco use have all been shown to contribute to reduced bone density.

Screening for Osteoporosis

It is recommended for doctors to screen for osteoporosis in women over the age of 65, and in women with any factors that could increase the chances of developing osteoporosis.

Patients should report:

• Previous fractures
• Diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption
• Medical conditions or medications that might contribute to bone loss
• Family history
• Menstrual history for women

A doctor will perform a physical exam that looks at:

• Changes in posture
• How you walk
• Loss of height and weight
• Muscle strength

The doctor will also measure bone mineral density (BMD) using a special x-ray technique that scans the hips, wrists, and spine. These are the areas that are most likely to fracture.

The results will be measured against other people of your same age, race, and sex. If your density looks lower, the doctor will likely recommend medications to protect against broken bones and lifestyle changes to improve health and balance.

Treatment
 

• Nutrition — On a daily basis, you should eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and leafy vegetables. Foods with calcium, vitamin D, and protein will help minimize bone loss. This includes bok choi, broccoli, collard and turnip greens, low-fat dairy, salmon, tofu, orange juice, soymilk, and breads.
• Lifestyle — Stop smoking and don’t start. Avoid secondhand smoke. Drink in moderation if you drink at all. Have regular checkups and talk to your doctor about factors that may contribute to falls or bone loss.
• Exercise —Rather than increasing bone mass when you’re older, exercise will build your strength to improve coordination and balance to reduce your risk of falling. If you have osteoporosis any exercise program will be tailored to your circumstances.
• Medication — There are more than half a dozen medications for either the treatment of osteoporosis or the rebuilding of bone density. You can find a list here.

With You at Every Stage

The risk of developing chronic diseases increases once you reach 50 and continues to rise every year after that. AltaMed’s experienced physicians and medical staff know which tests you need and how to administer them. That includes screenings for osteoporosis. Make sure to get regular checkups and get the screenings you need when you need them. Call (888) 499-9303 for information on the screenings you need.