Osteoporosis
At Women’s Specialty Health Centers, we take bone health very seriously. Our staff frequently attend seminars to keep current with the last trends and treatment options.
Osteoporosis can potentially be a devastating disease. Bone loss is something that all women should be educated about. Dr. McLaughlin and his staff would be happy to discuss prevention and treatment options that can help keep your bones healthy and strong.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis in women is a disease that causes the skeleton to weaken and bones to fracture. In the United States, one in two women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis most often caused by low levels of estrogen, calcium, vitamin D and lack of exercise.
Osteoporosis is known as a “silent disease” because there are often NO symptoms until a fracture occurs. Fractures caused by osteoporosis most commonly occur in the hip, spine, ribs and wrist and may be permanently disabling or even life threatening.
Osteoporosis is diagnosed by a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA SCAN) that measures the bone density at the hip and spine. Dexa scanning is a service that is offered in our office and takes less than an hour to complete. Please call us today to schedule your appointment.
Risk Factors:
- Family History of Osteoporosis
- Certain Medications
- Personal History of Fragility Fracture
- Low Body Weight
- Caucasian Race
- Poor Nutrition
- Early Menopause
- Lack of Exercise
- Alcoholism
- Diet Low in Calcium
Treatment Options
Bone health is an important facet in women’s health care that is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. At WSHC, our goal will be to proactively monitor and improve the bone health in the adult woman. Depending on your comprehensive history, examination and bone density measurement, treatment options may include:
- Hormone Therapy
- Bisphosphonates
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
- Forteo
- Prolia
- Reclast
- Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation
- Diet and Healthy Lifestyle Education
