At Bergen Aesthetics, experienced gynecologist, Heripsime Ohanian, PhD, MD, works closely with you to identify risk factors for osteoporosis. She can help you prevent osteoporosis to protect your bone health.
Understanding osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a progressive condition that causes ongoing bone loss. While anyone can develop it, osteoporosis is more common in women, especially postmenopausal women of Caucasian or Asian descent.
Throughout your life, your body continually breaks down old bone and makes new bone tissue. As you get older, this production of new bone begins slowing down, and if your body isn’t making enough bone tissue to replace what you’re losing, your bones become brittle and weak.
Even slight trauma to your affected bones can be enough to cause frequent fractures. You may also be more likely to develop a hunched back and chronic back pain, and lose some of your height overtime.
If you experience these types of symptoms, Dr. Ohanian can determine if osteoporosis is the underlying cause with in-office bone density testing. A special X-ray machine is available to measure the amount of minerals you have in your bones without the need for incisions or any recovery time.
Treatment for existing osteoporosis
If bone testing reveals osteoporosis, Dr. Ohanian offers customized treatment plans to preserve your remaining bone health. This may involve hormone replacement therapy to stimulate new bone growth or bisphosphonate therapy that uses a medication to strengthen your bones and reduce your risk for additional bone fractures.
Both therapies can effectively treat osteoporosis but can also pose additional risks to your health.
To lessen your risk for medication side effects, it’s important that you begin concentrating on what you can do now to prevent osteoporosis in the first place.
Tips for preventing osteoporosis at any age
Preventing osteoporosis is often done through the proper diet and exercise program. Dr. Ohanian works with you on a bone-strengthening diet plan that includes foods containing vitamin D and calcium.
Your exercise regimen should include weight-bearing exercises like:
- Dancing
- Walking
- Jogging
- Tennis
- Weight training
You should also opt to take the stairs whenever possible to build your bone strength.
If you already have early-stage osteoporosis, you can still use your diet and physical activity to slow down the progression of your condition. However, you should consult with Dr. Ohanian about what exercises are safe for you to do. To prevent painful injuries, you should avoid spine-twisting and bending activities like toe touches and sit-ups.
Another way to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures is to keep your living space well-organized and avoid risky activities that can lead to falls and trauma. Being mindful about protecting your bones can reduce the likelihood you’ll fracture a bone and need surgery, with its extended recovery time.
If you have questions or concerns about the symptoms of osteoporosis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ohanian today by calling Bergen Aesthetics or by requesting an appointment online now.