Osteoporosis: A Silent But Largely Preventable Disease

It’s easy to overlook one of your body’s most important structures until you experience a fracture or noticeable changes in posture. Thin and brittle bones are most commonly associated with the post-menopausal years and aging beyond 65, but bone loss  from osteoporosis actually begins long before your symptoms become noticeable.

The actions you take now will strongly affect your odds of developing osteoporosis – a common and potentially debilitating bone condition.  Empowering yourself with personalized healthcare will help actively prevent bone loss and minimize progression in the case of disease.

Your bones are complex living organs, and they change shape and composition in order to meet the needs of your body. But when certain factors are present during these transitions, your body may not be able to build up enough bone to replace what was naturally broken down – creating susceptibility to painful fractures.

While genetics can play a role in the formation of osteoporosis, your lifestyle habits, hormone levels, and certain medications can all be proactively managed to protect your bone health.

DEXA Scan: Early Detection Is Key

Talk to your provider – you don’t have to wait until you have a fracture or a formal diagnosis to test your bone density.

A DEXA Scan is the gold standard for measuring bone density, this x-ray is painless and emits minimal radiation as it calculates the amount of vitamins and minerals within a bone segment. It can show early warning signs for disease as well as confirm a diagnosis.

Who should have a DEXA scan?

It’s recommended that you schedule a scan if:

• You’re 65 or older
• You’re of menopausal age with risk factors
• You’re postmenopausal under the age of 65 with risk factors
• You have a family history of fractures/osteoporosis
• You break a bone after age 50
• You already have a diagnosis of osteoporosis
• You’ve had height loss of ½ inch per year
• You’ve had a total height loss of 1 1/2 inches from your original height

Getting a scan can be both simple and affordable; your insurance will most likely cover the cost if you’re eligible to be screened.

Treatment Can Stop Disease Progression

If you have signs of disease or have already developed osteoporosis, medication along with lifestyle changes can help slow down or stop further loss. Your provider may prescribe one of many options, which typically include bisphosphonates and hormonal therapies.

Living well with osteoporosis is possible – by engaging in treatment and seeking support, you can live a full, active life. Don’t put your health on hold.