Bone Health (Osteoporosis) Education

Bones are involved in many critical roles in the body. As we age, our bones become weaker, especially in women after menopause. This is why it is so important to monitor your bone health. The condition that is characterized by thinning and weakening of normal bone is called osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis are at a greater risk of sustaining a fracture (most commonly in the hips, spine, and wrists).

After age 50, 1:3 women and 1:5 men will experience a fracture as a result of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects over 10 million Americans, 80% of which are women. Another 34 million Americans have low bone mineral density (osteopenia) and are at an increased risk for osteoporosis.

• Estrogen deficiency
  • Bone loss occurs in women during and after menopause. Women can lose as much as 20% of their bone mass in the 5-7 years following menopause
• Lifestyle Factors
  • Living a sedentary lifestyle
  • Excessive caffeine intake
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Low dietary calcium intake
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Long-term use of certain medications (anti-seizure, glucocorticosteroids, PPI’s etc.)
• Age
• Body Weight
  • People who weigh less and have lower muscle mass are at greater risk for developing osteoporosis.
• Family History
  • If you have a close relative with a fracture or diagnosis of osteoporosis, you may be at higher risk.
• History of Major surgery (gastric bypass or colon resection)

We recommend bone health screening to:

• all women over age 65
• all men over age 70
• patients over age 40 with a fracture

At your appointment, a thorough history and physical will be obtained. Blood tests and bone density testing (DXA) may be ordered.

• Maintain an appropriate body weight
• Walking and other weight-bearing exercises
• Minimize caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Stop smoking
• Adequate intake of calcium through diet and/or supplements
• Vitamin D supplementation
• Prevent falls in the elderly to prevent fractures (i.e., install hand railings, or assistive devices in the bathroom, shower, etc.).
• Prescription medications when indicated