Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is more common in seniors, especially women, and results in a weakening of your bones that leads to painful fractures. If you're developing osteoporosis, board-certified endocrinologist Kwame Ntim, MD, and the team at Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care in Altamonte, Florida, can help. They use treatments like HRT to address bone loss and reduce the effects of osteoporosis. For expert help in managing your condition, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disorder in which your bones lose density, becoming weaker and more brittle. As a result, it significantly increases your risk of fractures in older age.

The female sex hormone estrogen protects your bones in younger life, but after menopause, your levels of estrogen fall drastically, and you lose that protection. As a result, women are more likely to get osteoporosis than men.

Other factors that increase your risk of developing osteoporosis include:

• Lack of calcium and vitamin D
• Smoking
• Taking certain medications
• High levels of vitamin A in your diet
• Excessive caffeine consumption
• Long-term use of antacids containing aluminum
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• Insufficient exercise

Having autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus also makes you more vulnerable to osteoporosis.

A bone scan measures the density of your bones and confirms you have osteoporosis. If you're over 65, you should undergo a routine bone mineral density (BMD) scan to identify signs of osteoporosis early on. You should also have a BMD scan if you're postmenopausal with other risk factors for osteoporosis.

What symptoms does osteoporosis cause?

Osteoporosis takes many years to develop and causes few or no symptoms for a long time. However, as your bones weaken, you're more likely to suffer fractures, which can occur after a minor accident or fall.

A common symptom of osteoporosis is vertebral compression fractures in your spine. These fractures in your vertebrae cause the front of the bone to collapse, forming a wedge shape that makes your upper back curve abnormally (kyphosis).

This spinal curvature and the accompanying loss of height create a dowager's hump, one of the tell-tale signs of more advanced osteoporosis. Vertebral compression fractures and other broken bones may cause severe, chronic pain.

What treatments can help with osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis isn't curable, but Dr. Ntim can help slow its progress and minimize its effects. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could be beneficial, particularly for helping to prevent osteoporosis. Supplements of vitamin D and calcium help to improve bone health, too.

You can reduce your risk of getting osteoporosis by leading a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking and excessive drinking, and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet, help keep your bones healthy. In addition, regular exercise and weight-bearing activities develop bone strength.

To find out whether you have osteoporosis and get fast, effective treatment for your condition, call Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care or book an appointment online today.