Bone Density

Like other organs in the body, our bones are constantly changing. Throughout childhood and as young adults, our bones reach their peak strength and then naturally become weaker with age. A condition that often comes with age is Osteoporosis, which is where the bones become very weak and fragile, often leading to fractures of the hip, back, or wrist. Unfortunately, symptoms of this condition do not present themselves until a lot of bone strength is lost. The most visible symptoms may include loss of height along with increased curvature of the upper back.

Both men and women lose bone strength with age, but women are at higher risk for Osteoporosis than men due to the decrease in production of estrogen hormone after menopause. Estrogen helps to protect women against bone loss. Other important risk factors for Osteoporosis, besides age and female, include Caucasian or Asian background, history of bone fracture, petite/thin frame, removal of the ovaries, early menopause, low calcium diet or eating disorder, lack of exercise, certain medications (such as steroids, thyroid hormones, diuretics), family history, and the use of tobacco or alcohol.

Due to the presence of very few symptoms until a lot of bone has been lost, Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “silent disease.” The best way to detect the loss of bone density is through a medical test called a bone densitometry test. This machine uses very small amounts of x-ray to measure the amount of bone mineral which relates directly to bone strength. The bone densitometer uses small amounts of x-ray to produce images of the spine, hip, or even the entire body. The dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (or DEXA scan) is an x-ray composed of two energy levels which are absorbed differently by the bones in the body. A computer is then able to determine, from these differences, how much bone mineral is present.

The bone densitometry test provides information about your own risk of a bone fracture, much like a cholesterol test indicates your possible risk of a heart attack. Although being diagnosed with Osteoporosis cannot predict a bone fracture, it can inform us that the risk of having a fracture is higher than that of normal bones. Knowing this risk can aid in the prevention and treatment of Osteoporotic fractures. This prevention / treatment includes exercise, changes in diet, hormone therapy, and other medications known to build bone strength.