May is National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, and Dr. J. Kyle Mathews would like to remind everyone how important it is to become informed about osteoporosis, how it’s diagnosed and the bone density treatment options he offers in his Plano urogynecology office.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Human bone is living tissue that constantly needs to be replaced. When bone loss occurs too quickly or the body fails to create new bone tissue, or both, the bones become weak and brittle causing osteoporosis.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation: “About 52 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.”

Who is at a Higher Risk for Osteoporosis?

Being female is a major risk factor for osteoporosis, so all women should talk to Dr. Mathews about their risk of developing osteoporosis, particularly women who:

• Are 50 or over
• Are menopausal
• Have a family history of osteoporosis
• Have a low body weight or a small, thin frame
• Have broken bones or who have experienced height loss

How Do You Know if You Have Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis has been called the “silent disease” because it does not always create noticeable symptoms. Women can find out if they have the disease by having a Bone Density Test. This painless test involves lying on a padded table while a scanner passes over your body using low levels of x-rays to determine your bone density. Dr. Mathews will use the results of this test to help determine the type of treatment you may need.

What Are my Bone Density Treatment Options?

The most common treatment Dr. Mathews uses incorporates oral calcium, and weight bearing exercise with bisphosphonates, or nonhormonal medications like alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel) and ibandronate (Boniva)). These medications both prevent and treat osteoporosis by helping to reduce bone loss and lower the risk of fractures.

Dr. Mathews and his staff will also discuss lifestyle changes that can be helpful, like:

• Quitting smoking
• Cutting back on excessive alcohol use
• Learning to prevent falls

For more information on the bone density treatment and osteoporosis, contact Dr. J. Kyle Mathews at Plano Urogynecology Associates at receptionist@DrJKM.com or call us at (972) 781-1444.

| Category: Gynecology, Osteoporosis |