Osteoporosis Specialist
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The Alpine Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, PC
Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity Specialists located in Superior, CO
Osteoporosis causes weakening in your bones and affects millions of people in the United States. As you age, especially past 50, your risk greatly increases. At The Alpine Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, PC, serving patients in Superior, Longmont, Boulder, and Westminster, Colorado, Sarah Sato, NP, and Christopher R. Fox, MD, assess your risk for osteoporosis and help you develop a treatment plan to reduce your risk of debilitating fractures. If you’re concerned about osteoporosis, call today for an appointment or book online.
Osteoporosis Q & A
What is osteoporosis?
Your bones aren’t static; they’re living tissue with cells that constantly replenish themselves. When you have osteoporosis, your bones cells break down faster than new cells can grow. As a result, your bones become porous, brittle, and vulnerable to fracture.
Osteoporosis can’t be cured, but the rate of damage it causes can be slowed. Any treatment offered at The Alpine Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, PC aims to strengthen your bones.
Who is at risk for developing osteoporosis?
Once you reach age 50 and older, your risk of developing osteoporosis increases. Although men can have osteoporosis, hormonal changes make women the most vulnerable. Women start losing bone earlier than men and at a faster rate.
Every person’s risk is slightly different, which is why you benefit from an individualized assessment of your risk of bone loss. Factors that put you at greater risk include:
- A thin or small build
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Early menopause (before age 45)
- Caucasian or Asian ethnicity
- Smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Sedentary lifestyle
Certain medications can contribute to osteoporosis, too. These include steroids and thyroid hormone. At The Alpine Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, PC, your personal and family medical histories are evaluated closely to determine your risk and set up a bone strengthening plan.
How is osteoporosis evaluated?
You undergo a noninvasive test, called a DEXA scan, to evaluate your bone density. This imaging test gives a good idea about your risk or development of osteopenia (weakening bones) or full-blown osteoporosis.
You won’t experience symptoms of osteoporosis, and unless you have this screening, you may not know you have it until you suffer a fracture.
How is osteoporosis treated?
Following your comprehensive assessment to identify treatable causes of bone loss and evaluate your risk of fracture, Dr. Fox and Sarah design a fracture risk-reduction plan.
This plan includes lifestyle changes, supplements, and osteoporosis medications. Medications include bisphosphonates and other prescriptions that help you create new bone and slow down the rate of bone loss.
Supplements such as additional calcium and vitamin D may also be recommended. Lifestyle changes include revising your diet to include more calcium-rich, whole foods and exercise, especially weight-bearing activities.
Reduce the toll osteoporosis has on your quality of life. Call The Alpine Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, PC for a bone evaluation and treatment plan. Alternatively, use the online tool to schedule.
