DXA: Osteoporosis
Did
you know that low bone density is the greatest risk factor for
spine and hip fractures?
Each year there are approximately 700,000 spine fractures and 250,000 hip fractures in the United States.The relationship between low bone density and bone fracture is much like the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease, or blood pressure and stroke. And, like cholesterol level and blood pressure, bone density is a risk factor that can be treated and changed. By looking at the results of a bone density test, your physician can determine if medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis is advisable for you.
A variety of risk factors can lead to osteoporosis. They include:
Each year there are approximately 700,000 spine fractures and 250,000 hip fractures in the United States.The relationship between low bone density and bone fracture is much like the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease, or blood pressure and stroke. And, like cholesterol level and blood pressure, bone density is a risk factor that can be treated and changed. By looking at the results of a bone density test, your physician can determine if medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis is advisable for you.
A variety of risk factors can lead to osteoporosis. They include:
- Personal history of fracture after age 50
- History of fracture in a close relative
- Being thin and/or having a small frame
- Advanced age
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially before 45 years in age
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Low lifetime calcium intake
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Use of certain medications (corticosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants, and others)
- Low testosterone levels in men
- Current cigarette smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol
