Menopause, Bonedensity. Your Questions Answered by Internal Specialist, Dr. Mera

I am a 57  years old  woman I have been having several fractures ( ankle, arm) last year due to several falls . I went into menopause two years ago could this be affecting my bones. What should I do ?

Bone loss prior to menopause is being increasingly identified in women. Clearly, low bone mineral density (BMD) is a significant risk factor for fracture in the estrogen-deficient female postmenopause. The significance of low bone density prior to menopause needs to be addressed. Low bone density in the premenopausal female may reflect attainment of a lower peak bone mass. It may also be secondary to progressive bone loss following achievement of peak bone density. The etiology of low bone density in the premenopausal female needs to be clarified with meticulous exclusion of secondary causes of bone loss. Menstrual status is an important determinant of peak bone mass as well as the development of bone loss in women prior to the onset of menopause. Subclinical decreases in circulating gonadal steroids may be associated with a lower peak bone mass as well as progressive bone loss in otherwise reproductively normal women.

It is important for menopausal women to get bone mineral density testing, also known as bone densitometry. Bone mineral density testing is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis in certain bones.

The bone mineral density test estimates the density of your bones and your risks of breaking a bone before it happens. Over time, you can track bone density scores to see if they are improving, stagnant, or worsening, thus helping judge treatment effectiveness as well.

From this information, your doctor can determine how strong or fragile your bones are and if you could be at risk for osteoporosis.

Treatment depends upon the stage of osteoporosis.

Women with lower BMD but not yet osteoporosis may wish to pursue additional testing with a specialist to verify bone mineral density scores. Also, medications might be prescribed to prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of fracture.

For advanced stages of osteoporosis, their doctor may prescribe osteoporosis medications, and repeat bone density tests will be pursued to monitor treatment effectiveness.

Wenn Sie weitere Fragen haben, wenden Sie sich bitte persönlich an Dr. Mera. 545152@gmail.com