Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become thin, weak, brittle, and break easily leading to fractures. Osteoporosis often starts silently, but if you notice back pain, bone pain, or height loss, these may be signs of Osteoporosis. Osteopenia, bone mineral density that is lower than normal, but not low enough to be classified as Osteoporosis, usually develops before Osteoporosis and increases your risk of developing Osteoporosis in the future. Osteoporosis is five times more common in women than in men. There is no way to stop or cure Osteoporosis, but there are things you can do to slow down the progression.

Osteoporosis is caused by many factors. These risk factors include: genetic predisposition, not enough calcium and vitamin D in the diet, not getting enough exercise, and going through menopause. You are at higher risk for developing Osteoporosis if you:

• Are female
• Have a thin, small frame
• Others in your family have had a lot of broken bones or a stooped posture
• Experienced menopause before age 45
• Currently have or had an eating disorder
• Are over age 50
• Have taken certain medications for a long time

How is Osteoporosis diagnosed?

You can have your bone density and strength checked by the following bone mineral density tests:

• DEXA scan (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry) takes 10-20 minutes and measures the bone density of the hip, spine, or the total bone density with the use of X-ray beams.
• QCT (Quantitative computed tomography) is a standard computed tomography (CT) scanner that assesses bone mineral density. This method uses a higher amount of radiation exposure than DEXA.
• Ultrasound uses the scattering and absorption of ultrasound waves to measure bone density.

How to Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is difficult to reverse, so prevention is the key. There are ways you can help reduce your risk of developing Osteoporosis, though. Start by consuming enough calcium and vitamin D and by getting exercise daily. To increase the amount of calcium in your diet, be sure to add  more healthy, calcium-rich foods to your diet. These include:

• Non-fat milk
• Non-fat yogurt
• Broccoli, cauliflower and leafy green vegetables
• Salmon
• Tofu

If you do not regularly include the above foods in your diet, consider supplements.

Treatment Options

If you already have osteoporosis, here are some of the treatment options currently available to help slow its progresssion:

• Calcium and vitamin D supplements
• Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and aerobics
• Menopausal replacement therapy- usually with estrogen or estrogen and progestin combination
• Prescription oral medications
  • Evista acts in a similar way as estrogen and has the ability to maintain bone mass
  • Actonel, Boniva, and Fosamax inhibit cells that break down bone to slow bone loss
• Injectible medications
  
  • Reclast, one of the newest treatment options. It is an annual, 15-minute infusion that increases bone strength and reduces fractures and now available at Draelos Metabolic Center. Reclast has been found to reduce the incidence of fractures (hip, vertebral and non-vertebral osteoporosis-related fractures.)
  • Forteo, self-administered as a daily injection for up to 24 months. It stimulates new bone formation and increases bone mineral density.
  • Calcitonin, available as an injection or nasal spray or injection. It is a naturally occurring hormone that inhibits bone loss.

For more information on the prevention and management of osteoporosis make an appointment with your Draelos Metabolic Center healthcare provider. Call (405) 348-5364.