Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that causes your bones to become brittle and weak, increasing your risk of fractures. It can affect all adults, especially older adults, but it occurs more frequently in women. Early osteoporosis screening and treatment helps keep your bones strong.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

While there aren’t any symptoms in the early stages of osteoporosis, common signs and symptoms associated with more advanced stages of bone loss include:

• Back pain
• Loss of height 
• A stooped posture
• Weak bones that break easily

See the RGV Endocrine Center team for screening if you’re at risk of developing osteoporosis. Risk factors include older age, being female, taking certain medicines, and having any of the following: a family history of osteoporosis, small body frame size, hormone imbalance, eating disorders, and poor dietary habits.

How does my provider diagnose osteoporosis?

To determine if you have osteoporosis or low bone density, your RGV Endocrine Center specialist discusses your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms if you have any. They complete a physical examination and might recommend you undergo blood tests to assess hormone levels.

Your provider also completes a bone density scan using a specialized X-ray machine to evaluate the mineral density of your bones. It’s a painless procedure in which you lie down on a comfortable table as a scanner passes over your body.

What are my osteoporosis treatment options?

If you have osteoporosis, your endocrinologist might recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of breaking bones. Examples include avoiding excessive alcohol, not smoking, and taking precautions to lower your risk of falling.

Medications

Taking medications can reduce your risk of further bone loss and bone fractures or build up your bones. Your specialist personalizes each medication regimen based on the severity of your condition.

Hormone replacement therapy

If your osteoporosis is linked with hormone imbalance, your specialist might recommend you undergo hormone replacement therapy to increase estrogen or testosterone levels within your body.

Don’t let osteoporosis go undetected and untreated, increasing your risk of bone fractures. Schedule an osteoporosis screening with RGV Endocrine Center by phone today.