Decreased bone density, known medically as osteopenia or osteoporosis, is a condition where the bones become less dense and more fragile over time. This happens when bone resorption (breakdown) occurs faster than bone formation (growth), causing a net bone loss.
Some key things to know:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) testing, usually via a DEXA scan, checks your bone health by measuring how dense your bones are. Lower BMD indicates poorer bone health.
- Many factors can accelerate bone loss, especially as we age. Common culprits include low calcium/vitamin D intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, chronic diseases, and certain medications.
- Decreased BMD raises fracture risk significantly. Bones become brittle and prone to breaks. This is especially dangerous in seniors - a bad fall can easily fracture a hip or wrist.
Osteopenia is mild bone loss, while
osteoporosis indicates more severe BMD decline. If caught early, decreased bone density can often be improved through lifestyle changes like:
- Increasing weight-bearing exercise - this signals bones to grow stronger to handle the extra load
- Getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet - these are vital building blocks for healthy bone
- Reducing behaviors that sap bone mass - like smoking and heavy alcohol intake
- Taking bone-supporting supplements, like calcium or vitamin D
Additionally, Hormone Harmony Clinic offers cutting-edge
hormone therapy to help
optimize bone formation in those with decreased BMD.
"Our individualized treatments precisely restore deficient hormones driving bone turnover," says Dr. Smith.
"In particular, estrogen plays a huge role in regulating the balance between bone resorption and formation in both men and women. We've seen fantastic BMD improvements in patients after starting hormone replacement, better than standard osteoporosis medications in many cases."
So in summary, decreased bone density stems from bones breaking down faster than they can rebuild. Weak and brittle bones result. Fortunately, early detection and proactive treatment - whether through lifestyle changes or advanced
hormonal therapies - can strengthen bones and reduce fracture risks substantially.
Reach out to Hormone Harmony Clinic today for a consultation! Their experts can help determine if hormone imbalance is accelerating your bone loss.