Osteoporosis and osteopenia are gradual thinning and degeneration of bone tissue which have devastating effects on the spine, hips and other joints. It is estimated that 50% of women and 25% of men over the age of 50 will experience a fracture related to osteoporsis in their lifetime. Additionally, the bone weakness can cause spinal compression and lead to a hunchback shape of the spine.
Often most patients do not know they have osteopenia or osteoporosis until they develop fractures or chronic pain. It is therefore, very important to prevent and detect early bone loss. This can be done via a DEXA scan which determines your bone mineral density. However, it does not measure the rate of bone loss nor the risk you may have of future bone loss. At our office we have a simple urinary and salivary hormone profile that is very accurate at helping to measure your bone loss rate and the hormonal imbalances potentially leading to further bone loss.
For more information about osteoporosis and bone loss, please refer to our article on “Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.”