What You Should Know About Osteoporosis

Perhaps you have an older family member who fell and fractured a hip, or you may worry about your own bones weakening as you age. If so, you’re not alone. Osteoporosis is a common condition that impacts nearly 10 million Americans — especially women.

The good news is that osteoporosis can be detected early and managed effectively with lifestyle choices like proper nutrition and regular exercise. At AdventHealth Tampa, our Bone Density Clinic offers screenings and expert guidance to help you understand and protect your bone health. Keep reading to learn more about osteoporosis and how we can support you.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Bone density is the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones. Higher density equals stronger bones. Osteoporosis develops when your bones get progressively weaker. In severe cases, your bones may become so brittle that even a small fall or strong coughing fit can lead to a fracture.

Who Is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

While anyone can develop osteoporosis, older women over age 65 are most at risk. In addition to age and gender, other osteoporosis risk factors include:

• Alcohol use
• Chronic inflammatory conditions, like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Family history
• Low calcium levels
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Low body mass
• Smoking
• Various medications, like cancer medications and steroids

Adults over 50 who have osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis) have a bone density that’s lower than it should be for their age. That means they’re also at risk of developing osteoporosis. The good news is you can positively impact your bone health through exercise and other healthy behaviors.

Women, Menopause and Osteoporosis

While everyone loses some bone density naturally as they get older, hormonal changes in women and other lifestyle tendencies place females at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Estrogen levels drop naturally during menopause, resulting in bone loss. But that isn’t a guarantee that you’ll develop osteoporosis. Having high bone density earlier in life and staying conscientious about nutrition and exercise can protect you.

What Are the Dangers of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis weakens your bones, often without producing other symptoms. That means a fracture in your hip, spine or wrist may be your first sign. These breaks can result in chronic pain, disabilities or even premature death. Depression and low self-esteem are also common aftermaths of fractures.

Additionally, having one fracture increases your risk of future fractures. You’re twice as likely to break another bone within a year of a previous fracture.

How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

Osteoporosis screening becomes part of your routine primary care once you’re over 65; however, if you are considered high-risk, you may be screened earlier. We use a noninvasive X-ray test called a DEXA scan to measure your bone density. This image allows us to determine the levels of calcium and other minerals in your bones.

Depending on your age and gender, a DEXA scan can provide two scores — a T-score that measures how your bone density compares with a healthy 30-year-old, and a Z-score that compares your bone density to that of healthy adults of the same age, gender and size.

For both scores, lower results indicate less bone density and a higher fracture risk.

How AdventHealth Tampa Bone Density Clinic Can Help

There’s currently no cure for osteoporosis, but timely treatment can help you manage your condition and encourage new bone growth. Our new Bone Density Clinic is designed to give you fast access to the dedicated bone healthcare you need.

During an in-depth consultation, our expert orthopedic advanced practice provider will review your unique risk factors and your DEXA score. We’ll work with you to create a customized care plan to strengthen your bones and improve your quality of life. We’ll also send you reminders that make it easier for you to stick with your treatment.

When your doctor refers you to our clinic, we may recommend:

• Exercise programs: Regular exercise supports building strong bones and muscles. Weight-bearing exercises can boost your bone density and reduce bone loss.
• Lifestyle guidance: Healthy lifestyle behaviors, including avoiding alcohol and getting enough calcium and vitamin D, can strengthen your bones and help you avoid future fractures.
• Medications: We offer a full range of medications that can strengthen your bones and slow bone loss.

Take Charge of Your Bone Health Today

If you’re experiencing bone loss, it’s important to find expert care as soon as possible. As specialists, we’re ready to partner with you and your entire care team. Our goal is to ensure you receive the highest-quality treatment to reduce your fracture risk and get you back to your active life.

Take charge of bone health and talk with your doctor about our Bone Density Clinic today. You deserve to feel whole.