What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a crippling disease that thins the bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. It affects the entire skeleton and has no visible symptoms. Most people don’t know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone.

The statistics are startling:

•iiiiMore than 20 million women in the U.S. either have or will develop osteoporosis during their lifetime.

•iiiiEach year, the risk of suffering a fracture from osteoporosis is greater than the risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke or breast cancer in women.

•iiii40 percent of women over age 50 will fracture from osteoporosis.

•iiiiAs you age, weak bones can be deadly. Elderly people who break a hip are four times more likely to die within the next three months as compared to their peers.

How does bone loss occur?

During your life, bones go through natural bone-building cycles where old bone is broken down and new bone is created. Bone loss occurs when this cycle becomes imbalanced and you begin losing more bone mass than you’re building.There are a number of reasons bone loss occurs (see risk factors). The main cause of bone loss is the decline in estrogen women experience during menopause. Bone mass peaks between the ages of 25 and 35.

After age 35, bone density starts to decline. When women reach menopause, their estrogen levels drop. This drop in estrogen greatly accelerates bone loss. Nearly one-third of a woman’s bone density loss can occur within the first five years after menopause.

The good news is that between the ages of 30 and 50, most women can still build bone mass. That’s why it’s vitally important to have a bone density test to find out your T-score. Knowing your T-score now will help you know if you’re at risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.

What is a bone density test?

Physicians recommend bone mineral density testing for all women over age 35. Bone density tests use x-rays or sound waves to measure how strong your bones are and tell you if you have or are at risk for osteoporosis.

The result of your bone mineral density test is called a T-score. The T-score tells you if you have normal or below normal bone density.

Achilles Heel Scan

The Achilles heel scan is a simple, ultrasound-based test that examines the bone density of the heel. An Achilles heel scan is recommended for all women over age 35 who have never had a bone density test. It is also an important test for:

•iiiiPrediction of fracture risk in post-menopausal women

•iiiiMen and women of any age who take steroids routinely for asthma or rheumatoid arthritis

•iiiiPremenopausal women who have other risk factors for osteoporosis

The test is offered for free at Advanced Breast Care Imaging.

DXA Scan

Based on your heel scan results, your doctor might recommend a DXA scan. The DXA scan is also fast, simple and painless. It uses x-rays to estimate the bone density in your spine and hip and is the most accurate test for measuring bone density.

Who should have a DXA scan?

•iiiiAll women ages 65 and older

Postmenopausal women under age 65 with:

•iiiiA bone fracture after age 50

•iiiiA current history of smoking

•iiiiLow body weight

•iiiAll women who take medications that cause bone loss