Osteoporosis

Woodglen Medical Group

OB/GYNs located in Glendora, CA

Of the 10 million people in the United States with osteoporosis, 8 million are women. Osteoporosis is a serious health concern for women, which is why the women’s health experts at Woodglen Medical Group in Glendora, California make bone health a priority. The advanced medical practice offers on-site bone density testing to assess your risk for osteoporosis or other bone conditions. Call today or schedule an appointment online.

626-963-4124

Osteoporosis Q & A

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes your bones to weaken and become more susceptible to breaking. Most women have no idea they have osteoporosis until they break a bone.

Why are Women More at Risk for Osteoporosis Than Men?

One of the biggest contributors to bone loss is the decrease in estrogen levels that occurs when women reach menopause, which can cause a 25% drop in bone density. Women also have smaller bones, so there’s less to lose.

Bone loss happens naturally as you get older, and because women tend to live longer than men, they’re at a greater risk of losing more bone mass.

How Do I Know if I Have Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis doesn’t usually have symptoms and you may not know you have the bone disease until you break a bone. The only way to determine if you have osteoporosis is with a bone density test, which is an X-ray that estimates the density of your bones and your risk of breakage.

What Can I Expect During a Bone Density Test?

A bone density test takes X-ray images of the bones you’re most likely to break, including your hips, thighs, low back, and forearms. The test takes about 20 minutes and doesn’t require any preparation or recovery time.

You should get a bone density test if you:

Are over the age of 65
Are younger than 65 with menopausal risk factors
Have broken a bone after age 50

After the exam, your health expert at Woodglen Medical Group reviews the results of your bone density test with you and develops a treatment plan based on your numbers. Your treatment strategy may be aimed at prevention, bone maintenance, or bone restoration.

How is Osteoporosis Treated?

If your bone scan indicates that you’re at risk of bone breakage, your doctor may recommend medication to stop further bone loss or help rebuild bone. Making changes to your diet to increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended, along with exercises to help strengthen your bones.

If you have concerns about your bone health, call the office or book an appointment online today.

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