Osteoporosis OBGYN
Rochester Hills, MI
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thin, brittle, and weak. These changes can increase the risk of fractures. Fractures can lead to disability. Fractures caused by osteoporosis have been linked to an increased risk of death. Osteoporosis occurs five times more often in women than in men.
In women, the hormone estrogen, protects against bone loss. After menopause, the ovaries produce very little estrogen. This decrease in estrogen triggers a period of rapid bone loss in women that starts 1 year before the final menstrual period and lasts for about 3 years. The natural effects of aging on bones may contribute to this bone loss as well.
Contemporary Obstetrics & Gynecology offers state-of-the-art screening and diagnosis for loss of bone density and osteoporosis, as well as the most advanced treatment options to slow or reverse the progression of bone density loss.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Risk Factors for
Osteoporosis
Family history | Post menopausal | White or Asian descent | Certain medications | IBS | Rheumatoid arthritis |
Thyroid problems | Lupus | Low calcium intake | Vitamin D insufficiency | Excess Vitamin A | High salt intake |
Eating disorder | Aluminum (in antacids) | Alcohol (3 or more drinks/day) | Inadequate physical activity | Being thin | High caffeine intake |
Risk Factors for
Osteoporosis
Family history | Post menopausal | White or Asian descent |
Thyroid problems | Lupus | Low calcium intake |
Eating disorder | Aluminum (in antacids) | Alcohol (3 or more drinks/day) |
Certain medications | Rheumatoid arthritis | Vitamin D insufficiency |
Excess Vitamin A | High salt intake | Inadequate physical activity |
Being thin | High caffeine intake | IBS |
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis may not cause any symptoms for decades. However, some signs and symptoms will typically occur as the disease progresses. As the spinal bones (vertebrae) weaken, they can fracture. Fracture in the front part of the spinal bones can result in a noticeable loss of height, or a visible curving of the spine. This type of spinal fracture often causes no pain. However, in other cases, fractures of the spine due to Osteoporosis can cause pain that travels from the back to the sides of the body.
Bone Density Test
In a bone mineral density (BMD) test, bone density is measured at the heel, spine, hip, hand, or wrist. Several types of BMD tests are available. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and spine is considered to be the most accurate BMD test available.