1. Bone Health and Osteoporosis
Karlyn Armbruster M.D.
Women’s Health Expo
Sleepy Eye Medical Center
September 28, 2013

2. What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis means “porous bone”
Weakening of the bones
Bone loss happens with age
It is more rapid after menopause for women
More common in women, but men can get it too

3. What is Osteoporosis? Fragile bones break easily
Fractures of the hip, wrists, and spine are common
May cause severe pain
Compression fractures of the spine can cause a person to lose height and become stooped or hunched

5. Should you worry? Osteoporosis is common!
About 9 million Americans have osteoporosis, and an estimated 48 million have low bone density* (osteopenia)
Nearly 60% of adults older than 50 are at risk of breaking a bone*
*National Osteoporosis Foundation

6. Are you at risk?
Here are some conditions which might increase the risk for developing fragile bones:
Female sex
Age greater than 50
Postmenopausal
Also, surgical removal of the ovaries
Family history of broken bones
Low body weight
Inactive lifestyle
Diet low in calcium and vitamin D
Smoking
Excessive alcohol use
Certain medications and diseases

7. Making a diagnosis DEXA Scan = Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
Measures the density of the bones at specific sites in the body – the hip and spine.
Non-invasive, painless. Takes less than 15 minutes. Uses very little radiation.
The results are reported using “T-Scores”
The “T-score” will help your doctor understand your risk of breaking a bone and recommend medications that can help protect you from losing more bone or rebuild bone

8. Do you need a DEXA Scan? Women age 65 or older Men age 70 or older
If you break a bone after age 50
Women of menopausal age with certain risk factors
Height loss of ½ inch or more in 1 year
Total height loss of 1 ½ inches or more
If you are already taking a medication
for osteoporosis, you may need a DEXA
scan every 1-2 years

9. Should you take a medication?
People without osteoporosis or osteopenia do not need to take a prescription medication
People with osteopenia may need a medication if they have certain risk factors
People with osteoporosis should consider taking an osteoporosis medication

10. Vitamin D and Calcium Women under age 50:
Vitamin D and calcium play an important role in building bones and keeping them strong
Women under age 50:
Calcium 1000mg per day
Vitamin D IU per day
Women age 50 and older:
Calcium 1200mg per day
Vitamin D 1000IU per
day

11. How can you prevent osteoporosis?
Take Calcium and Vitamin D supplements and eat a diet high in these nutrients
Get regular exercise
Maintain a healthy weight
Stop smoking! Talk to Sue Ahlness!
Avoid excessive alcohol use

12. Resources USPSTF National Osteoporosis Foundation
National Osteoporosis Foundation