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In
addition, women may lose up to 1/3 of the bone mass in their
spine in the first 6 years after menopause, compounding their
risk for osteoporosis fracture.
Risk
Factors for developing osteoporosis:
- Caucasian
(white) or Asian
- Drink
alcohol or smoke
- Slender
build
- Not
enough exercise
- Family
history of osteoporosis
- Not
enough calcium and/or vitamin D in your diet
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How
is osteoporosis diagnosed?
A
routine x-ray can reveal osteoporosis of the bone, which
appears much thinner and lighter than normal bones.
The
National Osteoporosis Foundation, The American Medical
Association,
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and other major
medical organizations are recommending a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
scan (DXA) for diagnosing osteoporosis. DXA measures bone density
in the hip and the spine. The test takes 5 to 15 minutes to perform,
uses very little radiation and is quite precise.
The bone
density of the patient is then compared to the average peak
bone density of young adults of same sex and race. This score
is called "T" score and it expresses the bone density in terms
of the number of standard deviations (SD) below peak young adult
bone mass.
- Osteoporosis
is defined as bone density T Score of - 2.5 SD or below.
- Osteopenia
(Between normal and osteoporosis) is defined as bone density
T Score between -1 and -2.5 SD.
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Vitamin
D, along with adequate calcium has been shown in some
studies to increase bone density and decrease fractures
in older postmenopausal women.
An
adequate calcium intake and adequate body stores of vitamin
D are
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important foundations
for maintaining bone density and strength. However, vitamin D
and calcium are not sufficient treatment for osteoporosis. They
are given in conjunction with other treatments.
Lifestyle
changes, include quitting smoking, curtailing alcohol intake,
exercising regularly, and consuming a balanced diet with adequate
calcium and vitamin D.
The best
thing you can do is ask your healthcare provider to help you
decide which course of action to take.
Freedom Pharmacy will work with your healthcare provider to
help with your treatment and care.
We
offer a personalized, professional, bilingual staff to answer
questions and help with your care. Dietary supplements, vitamins,
natural and herbal medications are available upon request.
Bone
Density testing available by appointment.
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