Osteoporosis Specialist

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that reduces bone strength and puts women at a greater risk of breaking or fracturing a bone. More than 1 in 4 women over the age of 65 have the disease. Men can develop osteoporosis, too, but less often due to the larger structure of their bones. 

The symptoms of osteoporosis are virtually non-existent, and you may not even know you have the condition until you break a bone or suffer complications. Osteoporosis is a condition that you should not take lightly. A broken bone can result in hospitalization and even surgery.

What are the risk factors for developing osteoporosis?

You may be more likely to develop osteoporosis if you are a woman and post-menopausal. The most dramatic loss of bone occurs between ages 51 and 58 in most women. 

Osteoporosis more often affects Caucasian and Asian women than African-American and Hispanic women due to differences in their genetic makeup. If the women in your family (or the men) have a history of developing osteoporosis, you’re at greater risk, too.

Lifestyle factors like being sedentary, smoking, and excessively using alcohol also put you at risk. 

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Special screenings can help detect osteoporosis before you develop a devastating fracture. At Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, the team recommends a DEXA scan, a special X-ray that measures your bone mineral density. The screening is quick and painless but effective in detecting the early weakening of your bones. 

How is osteoporosis treated?

The goal of treatment at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates is to prevent fractures in osteoporotic patients. Your provider encourages you to eat a diet rich in calcium and may place you on medications, including:

Bisphosphonates

This type of medication slows cell activity that is responsible for bone loss. Bisphosphonates help you maintain or and sometimes increase bone density.   

Parathyroid hormone 

Doctors recommend parathyroid hormone for postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fracture.  

Estrogen agonists/antagonists 

Estrogen agonists/antagonists mimic the effects of the female hormone estrogen on the body. Estrogen promotes bone health. These medications typically treat postmenopausal women.   

Calcitonin

If you’re at least five years into menopause, you may receive calcitonin to help regulate your calcium and bone metabolism.    

If you’re at risk of osteoporosis, the team at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates can help. Call today for an appointment or use the online tool to schedule.