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Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue or loss of bone density over time. Thin bones are naturally more brittle and fragile, thus more prone to break. Learn about how we prevent, diagnose and treat osteoporosis.

Bone Density Testing

Bone density testing is the most accurate way to assess your bone health, and is used to help diagnose osteoporosis or determine if you are at an increased risk for the condition.

A bone densitometry (or bone mineral density BMD test) is an easy, noninvasive test that is done in our office to determine your bone strength. If your bone density is found to be very low or declining, we can recommend treatments that can help prevent future fractures. We will then monitor the effects of your treatment through regularly scheduled bone density exams and visits with your physician.

Bone density testing is recommended if you are a:

• postmenopausal woman age 50 or older
• postmenopausal woman who has recently sustained a fracture
• postmenopausal woman who has one or more risk factors for osteoporosis.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis include:

• Age—the older we get, the greater the risk
• Gender—more women than men
• Menopause
• Family history
• Low body weight/small and thin body type
• Broken bones/loss of height
• Poor nutrition choices, including not enough calcium, vitamin D, fruits or vegetables; too much protein, sodium, caffeine or alcohol
• Inactive lifestyle
• Smoking

Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment

At GMCWH, treatment for osteoporosis is focused on controlling pain from the disease and slowing or stopping bone loss. Treatment may also include medicines that strengthen bone, thereby minimizing the risk of fractures with falls.

In addition to various medications, treatment for osteoporosis may include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise modifications, as well as smoking cessation. These lifestyle changes can also play a significant role in preventing osteoporosis.