Osteoporosis

MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists

OB/GYNs & Women’s Health located in Boca Raton, FL & Boynton Beach, FL

One in two women will break a bone in their lifetime because of osteoporosis, but there are ways you can both prevent and manage this condition. The kind and compassionate all-female team at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists know the higher risks women face related to weakening bones as they age. For nurturing care for women by women, visit MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists in Boca Raton or Boynton Beach, Florida. Call or schedule an appointment online.

Osteoporosis Q & A

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis causes your bones to grow fragile and weak as you age. When you have this condition, a bone can break from the smallest actions, even by coughing or bending over.

In the early stages of bone loss, you usually have no symptoms. But, as osteoporosis advances and your bones weaken, you might experience:

• Back pain
• Lost height
• Stooped posture

It’s also common to have bones that break easily as well as fractured or collapsed vertebrae.

Though anyone can develop osteoporosis, women are at higher risk of the condition, especially after menopause.

What causes osteoporosis?

Bones consist of living tissue that is always breaking down and regenerating; old bone tissue breaks down as the new bone tissue is growing. As you age, your bone breaks down faster than it’s made.

Your bone mass typically peaks when you’re in your early 20s. If you have higher levels of bone mass at that time, your risk of developing osteoporosis as you grow older decreases.

Women are at higher risk of because of the role estrogen plays in the body. Estrogen is a female sex hormone that decreases after menopause. Lower levels of estrogen cause your bones to weaken.

Additional factors that increase your risks of osteoporosis include:

• Smoking
• A family history
• Being sedentary
• Some medications
• A small body frame
• Being white or Asian
• Not getting enough low calcium
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Some gastrointestinal surgeries
• Overactive parathyroid and adrenal glands
• Being underweight or having an eating disorder
• Hormone imbalances like low testosterone or high thyroid
• Certain medical conditions like cancer, kidney, or liver disease

How is osteoporosis treated?

Your experienced team member at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists measures your bone density during a painless test with a scanner. Based on your screening and risks of breaking a bone, your provider might suggest various treatments, such as medications or hormone therapy.

In addition to managing osteoporosis, your team member also works with you at all ages to prevent the condition from developing by offering recommendations on proper nutrition, maintaining healthy body weight, and encouraging regular exercise.

To find comprehensive care in preventing and managing osteoporosis, call MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists, or schedule an appointment online today.