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Get evaluated for osteoporosis risks to determine your need for a bone mineral density (BMD) testing.
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Risks and impacts
Monitor your fracture risks with bone density scans. We recommended scans for every woman over 50. Bone density decreases slowly over time and often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, most commonly in the vertebrae, hip, and wrist. Low bone density can also cause chronic pain, stooped posture, and disability.
Although osteoporosis has no warning signs, it is preventable and treatable. Talk to your physician about your risk profile and whether bone mineral density testing is appropriate for you.
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The practical science women need
There’s a quiet shift that happens when your daughter enters her teen years. Suddenly, her world changes—her body, her emotThere’s a quiet shift that happens when your daughter enters her
You’re in your 40s or 50s. Your period is skipping around. Sleep is weird. Moods are unpredictable. And one minute you’re freezing, the next you’re drenched in sweat. If any
Get answers
Bone density tests can determine your risks for osteoporosis and fractures.
Some of the major risk factors include increasing age, a prior osteoporotic fracture, low body mass index, steroid use, smoking, and estrogen deficiency.
For dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scans, or DEXA, a normal T-score is -1.0 and above. Low bone mass, or osteopenia, is a T-score of -1.0 to -2.5. Osteoporosis is defined as a T-score of less than -2.5. However, the BMD or T-score alone does not determine the need for treatment.
The DEXA results along with FRAX assessments can guide the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women over 50 years old. It is not intended for younger women. FRAX uses BMD in the femoral neck and several risk factors to determine the 10 year probability of fracture. Women with a 10 year probability of hip fracture greater than 3% or major osteoporotic fracture greater than 20% should consider treatment. In addition, women with a previous hip or vertebral fracture or T-score less than or equal to -2.5 should also be considered for treatment. These are guidelines and may be individualized.
These problems are very common. In fact, almost 1 in 2 caucasian females will experience an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime. Osteoporosis occurs less frequently in African Americans, but when present, the risk of fracture is still present.
There are many interventions that women can use to promote bone health. In general, all women should insure adequate calcium (1200mg/day) and Vitamin D (800-1000IU/day) intake. Regular weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercises may also reduce the risk of fracture. Excessive alcohol intake (3 or more drinks per day) and smoking should be avoided. If a women requires treatment for low BMD or osteoporosis, there are a wide range of medications available for treatment.
Almara Women’s Health is a collaboration of physician-owned practices building leading-edge health care for women of all ages and experiences. With whole life care that spans from routine check ups to specialty programs and surgeries, Almara is building better healthcare for women.
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