What is Osteoporosis?

    Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to break easily. It affects women and men of all ages. Statistics show that as many as one in two women and one in five men will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis.  The consequences of osteoporosis include fractures (broken bone), pain, disability, deformity, and loss of independence.

    Although osteoporosis is preventable and treatable, there is no cure for the disease. This is why it is important to find out if you are at risk or if you have the disease.

What are some of the risk factors for Osteoporosis?

    • Advanced Age
    • Abnormal Menstrual Periods
    • Being Female
    • Prior Broken Bones with Minimal Trauma
    • Diet Low in Calcium
    • Menopause
    • Excessive Alcohol Use
    • Family History of Osteoporosis or Fractures
    • Low Testosterone Levels in Men
    • Malabsorption Problem
    • Medication such as Steroids, Anticonvulsants, Cancer Treatments, and Excess Thyroid Hormones
    • Small Frames
    • Smoking
    • Bulimia or Anorexia
  • Risk factors cannot determine whether you have osteoporosis. Only by having a bone density test can the strength of your bones be measured.

What is a Bone Density Test?

    A bone density test, best known as a BMD test (Bone Mineral Density test), can safely and painlessly provide you and your doctor with information on your bone health and detect problems earlier than an ordinary x-ray.  We presently use the DEXA system as a safe and precise method of measuring BMD.

    A bone density test can:

      • Confirm a Diagnosis of Osteoporosis
      • Detect Low Bone Density Before a Fracture Occurs
      • Predict Your Chances of Future Fractures
      • Determine Your Rate of Bone Loss
      • Monitor the Effects of Treatment

    There are other blood tests your doctor may order to identify possible causes of bone loss. However, at present, having a DEXA is the only reliable way to detect low bone density and predict the chances of future fracturing.

    Remember, early detection of osteoporosis is important.  A change in diet, exercise, and possibly some prescribed medications can reduce the risk of fractures.

    For more information ask your doctor about osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Density Testing, or call our

       OSTEOPOROSIS DEPARTMENT

      Norfolk  (757) 461-3400

      Chesapeake (757) 547-1822