Osteoporosis Treatment

Are You Showing these Surprising Signs of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent killer” because people often do not know that they have it until it’s too late and they break a bone. And bone fractures in adults over 50 raise the risk of premature death by an astonishing 50%. Broken hips are particularly dangerous in older women and men, with 33% of adults over 50 dying within one year of breaking a hip.

Tragically, 50% of women over the age of 50 will suffer a broken bone due to osteoporosis. So, as you can see, osteoporosis (loss of bone density) is a very serious matter. But osteoporosis is treatable, reversible, and even preventable!

Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis?

“DEXA” or “DXA” bone scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is an easy and accurate test for osteoporosis. But many individuals simply don’t realize how dangerous osteoporosis is – so they put-off getting a bone density test and end up with a debilitating broken bone.

DEXA scans are typically recommended at the age of 65. But many women have risk factors for osteoporosis that indicate they should get a DEXA scan before this age. These risk factors include: low body weight, small frame, steroid use, smoking or vaping tobacco, a family history of osteoporosis, or a history of previous bone fracture(s).

Women are four times as likely to develop osteoporosis as men, and twice as likely to break a bone. Half of females over age 50 will suffer a fracture because of osteoporosis, while one quarter of men will. Post-menopausal women suffer the most bone loss (20% or more) in the first 10 years after menopause.

Factors that put a person at higher risk of osteoporosis include a sedentary lifestyle, excess alcohol consumption, a poor diet (low in calcium & vitamin D), and certain medications and cancer treatments, and a family history of osteoporosis.

Surprising Signs & Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Since osteoporosis is a “silent disease” women and men often don’t know what to look for. However, there are actually quite a few signs that you might be suffering from osteoporosis if you are aware of them. If you are undergoing any of the issues below, you should discuss the possibility of a DEXA (bone density scan) with your physician to rule out bone loss.

Tell-tale signs that you may be developing osteoporosis, can include:

#1. Loss of height: Bone density loss can cause the spine to become shorter over time, leading to a loss of height. This can be such a subtle change, occurring over time, that the person may not even notice it. However, your doctor’s office likely measures your height at your annual check-up every year – so pay attention to any shrinking!

#2. Poor posture: Bone loss can also result in changes in the spine, that cause you to stand or sit in a more “hunched” position. Osteoporosis can even result in a “hump” developing on the shoulder.

#3. Broken Bone(s): If you have suffered one or more broken bones – especially as the result of a minor trauma or fall – talk to your doctor about a DEXA scan.

#4. Back pain: Most people think of arthritis or other orthopedic problems when it comes to back pain. Many just take Tylenol and try to ignore it. But osteoporosis can result in a brittleness of the spine that causes vertebral compression fractures that result in back pain. While osteoarthritis typically results in more pain during inactivity, a spinal compression fracture will be more painful when standing or walking.

#5. Bone pain: Osteoporosis does not just cause pain in the back. It can also cause pain in any bones that are losing density, including the hips, and wrists.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to see about scheduling a DEXA scan. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms – whether osteoporosis or something else.

Best Osteoporosis Treatments

Many doctors immediately jump to prescribing strong medications like bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Boniva, etc.) that can have adverse side effects – including increased fracture of the thigh bone in some women, loss of jaw bone density, and esophageal cancer in others. Bisphosphonates require weekly pills, or sometimes IVs.

However, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers a 100% natural alternative (or complement) to bisphosphonates.  In clinical studies estrogen treatment has been proven to blunt bone resorption, stimulate bone formation, and decrease bone fractures by up to 60%.

Estrogen is necessary to maintain bone density. But during the hormone decline of menopause, a woman’s body stops producing sufficient estrogen levels to protect bone mass. As a result, many menopausal females experience bone loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

100% natural “bioidentical” hormone replacement therapy replaces the estrogen that is lost during menopause using plant-derived estrogens that are identical in molecular structure to a woman’s hormones.

Previously, hormone replacement therapy was typically given in the form of daily pills, weekly patches, painful shots, or messy gels, creams, and spray. However, BioTe hormone replacement therapy available at AMAE in Birmingham, MI utilizes convenient subdermal pellets. These only have to be inserted a few times a year, instead of taking daily pills, or applying messy creams. Time released HRT pellets are not only much more convenient but helps avoid the “roller coaster” ups and downs of hormone pills, shots, and patches.

In addition to reducing the risk of osteoporosis BioTe hormone replacement therapy pellets also offer protection against heart and artery disease, and cognitive decline during aging. HRT pellet therapy can also improve the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, feelings of anxiety or depression, loss of libido, or feeling mentally ‘foggy.” HRT may also improve painful sex, vaginal laxity or dryness, and even urinary incontinence.  Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can also help reverse menopausal weight gain, assist in building muscle, and slow hair loss.

HRT Osteoporosis Treatment | Birmingham, MI

Hormone replacement therapy pellets have been in use for more than 70 years. Bioidentical HRT is the safest, most effective, and most consistent form of hormone replacement available. If you are suffering from the symptoms of osteoporosis – or any of the symptoms of hormone decline or imbalance – schedule an appointment at AMAE in Birmingham, MI today.

Dr. Ali will conduct thorough blood work to identify your exact levels of any hormone deficiencies, and then prescribe customized Biote bioidentical hormone therapy pellets to ensure you receive the precise dosage needed to reverse your symptoms and restore bone loss, so you can live your best life at any age!

Hormone Replacement for Osteoporosis: 248.335.7200