Osteoporosis Prevention

About 80% of osteoporosis is genetically determined, particularly if a close relative has experienced a fracture after the menopause. Taking daily calcium (1500 mg alone or 1200 mg with 400 iu Vit D) and weight-bearing exercise may not be enough to prevent this silent disease. DEXA scanning, which assesses your bone density and risk for osteopenia (bone thinning) and osteoporosis (bone loss) may be performed in our office. You may be advised to take estrogen, testosterone, Evista, Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva or Forteo to help you avoid the misery of spine or hip fractures later in life. It is by far much better for you to spend the holidays at home with your family than to have them visit you in a nursing home!