What is osteoporosis and what treatment options are available?

Most women are unaware of their bone health until a particular problem occurs. This includes conditions such as osteoporosis, which isn’t often diagnosed until it is in the later stages. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes brittle, weak bones due to lost bone mass. Patients who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis may be at a much higher risk of fractures and breaks due to the condition of their bones. It is vital that women obtain a proper diagnosis in the earliest of stages, or learn about preventative means to keep their bones strong and healthy.

How does osteoporosis develop?

In the early 20’s, your bones stop growing and will reach their peak mass. Once this peak mass has been achieved, it is important that patients stay healthy to keep their bone mass as high as possible. It is natural for bone loss to occur with time as it is a part of the natural aging process, but by maintaining new bone by getting enough calcium and maintaining higher levels of vitamin D, many patients can slow the process. The most noticeable point where bone loss occurs is when a woman reaches menopause and experiences a significant decline in bone mass.

Some of the more common reasons why osteoporosis develops include:

• Reduced levels of estrogen
• Deficiency of vitamin D and/or calcium
• Lack of exercise
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hyperthyroidism
• Certain medications
• Lupus
• Kidney/liver disease

How can I treat osteoporosis?

Once a women has received a definitive diagnosis of osteoporosis, it is essential that the bone mass be restored. Prescription medications, changes in diet, and the integration of regular exercise are often recommended in treating osteoporosis. Additionally, women are encouraged to ask questions early on about how to maintain bone mass to avoid developing osteoporosis as they age.

Learn more about osteoporosis

Whether you’ve received a recent diagnosis or are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself from developing osteoporosis, it is important that you educate yourself further on this condition. The team of Northwest Women’s Center in Houston, TX can provide a proper diagnosis and help patients combat this condition in a way that fits their lifestyle and unique needs. Contact our facility by calling (281) 444-3440 and scheduling a consultation visit with our staff. We are here to help, and are always accepting new patients into our state-of-the-art facility.