Osteoporosis Prevention and Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. For women, particularly those over the age of fifty, the risk of osteoporosis increases significantly due to hormonal changes during menopause. Maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis requires a proactive approach, including regular check-ups, lifestyle adjustments, and preventive measures. At North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery, we provide comprehensive osteoporosis prevention and bone health services to help women in Raleigh, Holly Springs, Cary, and surrounding areas maintain optimal bone health.

Understanding Osteoporosis and Bone Health

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because bone loss happens gradually and without obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs. Understanding your bone health is crucial, especially if you have risk factors such as age, family history, or a sedentary lifestyle. Regular bone density tests and assessments are key tools in detecting early signs of bone weakness, allowing for timely intervention. A bone density test measures the strength and density of your bones, providing valuable insights into your bone health. This test is especially recommended for women approaching menopause and those who have a family history of osteoporosis. Early detection through routine bone health assessments helps in taking proactive measures to prevent bone deterioration.

The Benefits of Regular Bone Health Check-Ups

Maintaining good bone health isn’t just about avoiding fractures. It’s also about sustaining your overall quality of life. Bone health check-ups offer several benefits:

• Early Detection of Bone Loss – Bone density tests can detect bone loss at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention to prevent osteoporosis.
• Tailored Treatment Plans – Based on your bone health assessment, our team will develop a personalized plan that may include dietary recommendations, supplements like calcium and vitamin D, and lifestyle modifications to improve bone strength.
• Reduced Risk of Fractures – Preventive care and early treatment reduce the risk of fractures, which can lead to long-term health complications.
• Long-Term Bone Health Monitoring – Regular monitoring helps track your bone density over time, ensuring that any changes are managed effectively.

Our Osteoporosis Prevention Services

At North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery, we provide a full range of osteoporosis prevention and bone health services designed to meet the unique needs of women at every stage of life. Our experienced obstetricians and caring staff are committed to helping you maintain healthy bones through personalized care and education. Our services include:

• Bone Density Tests – A key diagnostic tool for assessing bone strength and detecting osteoporosis early.
• Nutritional Counseling – Guidance on maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
• Hormone Therapy – For women undergoing menopause, hormone therapy can be an effective solution for preventing bone loss.
• Lifestyle Counseling – Support in adopting healthy habits such as weight-bearing exercises, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake to strengthen bones.
• Personalized Treatment Plans – Based on your bone health assessment, we create customized care plans that may include medications, supplements, and other preventive measures.

Take Control of Your Bone Health: Schedule an Appointment Today

Management of bone health is essential for preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. If you are concerned about your risk for osteoporosis or would like to schedule a bone density test, contact us today for an appointment with the OB/GYN Specialists at North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery in Raleigh, Cary or Holly Springs, NC.

• Menopause
• Removal of ovaries
• Personal or family history of fractures
• Diet low in calcium
• Lack of exercise
• Recent falls
• Low body weight
• Poor general health
• Some medications
• Alcohol and tobacco use

Estrogen helps protect against bone loss, so osteoporosis is a special health threat for post-menopausal women. Since it is difficult to grow new bone after it is lost, preventing or slowing bone loss is important. Exercise and eating a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D are two important ways to build and keep bone. Exercise increases bone mass before menopause and slows bone loss after menopause. The best type of exercise to prevent bone loss and strengthen bones is weight-bearing exercise such as running, brisk walking, tennis, and low-impact aerobics. Even walking for 20 minutes each day will help slow bone loss. If the amount of calcium in your bloodstream is too low, your body will take calcium from your bones to supply the rest of your body. Good sources of calcium are dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Other sources are leafy green vegetables, nuts, seafood, and juices and cereals that are fortified with calcium. Since your body can’t absorb calcium without vitamin D, it is also important to make sure your diet includes adequate amounts. Milk fortified with vitamin D is one of the best sources. Another is sunlight. Being in the sun for just 15 minutes a day helps your skin produce vitamin D.

The only way to identify if you have osteoporosis is by having a bone density, or DEXA scan. The DEXA Scan can tell your doctor whether or not you have osteoporosis, your rate of bone loss, and your risk of a future fracture. DEXA Scan screening facilities offer the most advanced technology, medical expertise, evaluation, and clinical interpretation available. The DEXA Scan only takes about 10 minutes. During the test, you lie down while an arm-like device called an imager scans your body. The test is completely painless and safe – you are exposed to less radiation than a regular chest x-ray. The doctors at North Carolina OB/GYN and Midwifery can determine if you should undergo a DEXA Scan. The test is generally given to women over age 65, women who have had a bone fracture, and younger women who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis. The doctors will also work with you to design an osteoporosis prevention and treatment plan.

In addition to daily exercise and a diet rich in calcium – both of which not only help prevent but also slow bone loss – there are medications available to inhibit bone loss and reduce the risk of fracture. The earlier the treatment is started, the better the results. The doctors at North Carolina OB/GYN and Midwifery will talk with you about the role hormone therapy (HT) plays in osteoporosis prevention and treatment, as well as the other medications available to help slow down bone loss and improve bone density.