What is postmenopausal osteoporosis?
Although all cases of osteoporosis result in weakened bones and increased risk of injury, there are 2 ways it develops-primary and secondary osteoporosis.
No one knows what causes primary osteoporosis (80% to 90% of all cases), though older women are at greatest risk due to decreased production of estrogen after menopause. Estrogen is thought to prevent bone loss and help the body restore calcium. If your body stops producing estrogen or production goes way down, there can be rapid bone loss.
Secondary osteoporosis is usually caused by a chemical imbalance related to diabetes, kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, or drugs that affect metabolism.
Source: BoneMatters™: Taking a Stand Against Osteoporosis.
How can I tell if I have postmenopausal osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis (stooped posture).
Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Only your doctor or healthcare provider has the knowledge, ability, and the diagnostic tools that can determine if you have postmenopausal osteoporosis, or if you may be at risk of developing the disease.
Go here to learn more about Risk Factors.
What specialty of doctor is dedicated to osteoporosis?
There is no physician specialty dedicated to osteoporosis, nor is there a certification program for health professionals who treat the disease. Therefore, a variety of medical specialists are treating people with osteoporosis, including internists, gynecologists, family physicians, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, physiatrists, and orthopedic surgeons. Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Who should I consult about osteoporosis?
Your personal doctor, whether they are a gynecologist, orthopedic surgeon, rheumatologist or internist, is usually the best person to treat you because he or she is familiar with your medical history, your daily routine, and your individual needs.
How many people get osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a major public health threat affecting 44 million Americans. In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.
Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Is there a cure?
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to prevent it or to slow or stop its progress. Adequate calcium, vitamin D, appropriate exercise and, in some cases, medication are important for maintaining bone health.
Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Where I can I get more information?
The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is the nation's leading resource for patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations seeking up-to-date, medically sound information on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis.
The NOF is also the sponsor of the annual National Osteoporosis Prevention Month campaign.8 You can reach the NOF by mail: National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1232 22nd Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-1292; by phone: (202) 223-2226; or by e-mail at the NOF Web site: http://www.nof.org/contacts.asp.
Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Where can I find out about support groups?
The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) has some exciting programs to provide people affected by osteoporosis with the support they need to successfully cope with the disease.
You can find out more by visiting the NOF at: http://www.nof.org/patientinfo/support_groups.htm.
Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation.
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