Bone Health
Osteoporosis
A Planetree Hospital

Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that affects millions of men and women throughout the United States. Not only does osteoporosis gradually weaken bones, making them more prone to fractures, but the associated bone loss can be irreversible. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, one out of every two women over age 50 will likely have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. That’s twice the rate of fractures in men — one in four.

Bone Density Testing

The only way to tell if you have osteoporosis is by measuring your bone mass through a specialized bone density test. A bone density test can help:

  • Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.
  • Predict your future chance of fracture.
  • Determine your rate of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment if the test is conducted at intervals of a year or more.

It is recommended that you have a bone density test based on these guidelines:

  • All women 65 years of age or older
  • Baseline test between ages of 40-50 and then one test two to three years after the onset of menopause
  • Testing at the onset of menopause if considering hormone therapy
  • All women who have been receiving hormone replacement therapy for a prolonged period of time

The St.Vincent Osteoporosis Center offers state-of-the-art technology in bone density testing, as well as educational information and osteoporosis risk assessments.

Prevention and Treatment

The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention. And, prevention begins at an early age. Building strong bones and living a healthy lifestyle are important elements in preventing osteoporosis. In fact, regular exercise and adequate calcium and Vitamin D consumption by adolescent and young adult women can increase bone mass, which can reduce bone loss and lower risk of fractures in later years. It’s important to talk with your doctor to learn more about the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

For more information, please call the St.Vincent Osteoporosis Center at (317) 338-9595 or toll-free at (866) 788-7732.