If you’re looking for an “osteoporosis doctor near me,” read this!
If you are searching for an “osteoporosis doctor near me,” you want to find a practitioner who can offer excellent big-picture care. Women have a serious risk for bone-density loss and osteoporosis fractures, especially after menopause. Whatever your age, you should think about osteoporosis prevention as an important part of your overall health and well-being.
Dr. Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology offers comprehensive services to patients in the Coral Springs area. Your health is our top priority.
Making an appointment with our experienced and compassionate doctors is easy. Book online or give us a call at (954) 340-1050.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become less dense. In other words, they become thin, brittle, and weak, which can cause them to fracture more easily. The first signs of osteoporosis are typically seen in areas of the body that have a lot of spongy bone, such as the spine, hip, and wrist.
Women are the most at-risk population for this condition, which can cause health problems and disability in older women and lead to a serious impact on well-being and quality of life. Fractures caused by osteoporosis have also been connected to an increased risk of death.
It’s no surprise that you are searching for an “osteoporosis doctor near me.” Osteoporosis is a serious condition that can significantly impact your life!
Women have an increased risk of osteoporosis
The hormone estrogen is directly linked to bone health and strength. The ovaries make estrogen, which protects against bone loss. As the estrogen in your body declines, so does bone mass.
After menopause, the ovaries produce very little estrogen. This decrease in estrogen triggers rapid bone loss in women that starts about one year before the final menstrual period. On average, in the first three to five years after menopause, women can lose up to 10% of their bone mass. After that time, the rate of bone loss slows.
It’s important to find a local osteoporosis doctor to help you identify your risk factors and screen you for the disease.
Factors that may cause or contribute to osteoporosis include:
- getting older
- family history of hip or spine fracture
- smoking
- alcohol use (more than three drinks per day)
- early menopause
- use of some medications used to treat cancers, endometriosis, and more
- certain medical conditions
How can I find an osteoporosis doctor near me and get screened?
Routine screening can help catch osteoporosis early. Your search for “osteoporosis doctor near me” should turn up a healthcare professional who offers comprehensive women’s health services.
At your visit, the doctor will ask you about your medical history, give you a physical exam, and measure your height.
According to ACOG, if you are age 40 or older, you may also be screened using a tool called FRAX. FRAX is a computer program that helps predict your risk of having a fracture within the next ten years. Depending on your age and your risk level, you may have a bone mineral density (BMD) test as well.
How can I increase bone density?
It’s important for women to increase bone strength early, and it’s never too soon to start. Harvard Health offers these five easy ways to increase bone density quickly:
- Monitor your diet. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D through the foods you eat.
- Maintain a reasonable weight.
- Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol intake.
- Make sure your workouts include weight-bearing exercises.
- Talk with your doctor about your risk factors.
Comprehensive care at your local doctor
It’s important to remember that just because a medical practice is nearby doesn’t automatically make it the best match for you. Don’t make location the only deciding factor when you choose your doctor.
If you’re searching for an “osteoporosis doctor near me,” make sure you look for someone with whom you can build a trusting relationship. Be on the lookout for a compassionate, experienced practitioner who looks at the big picture of your health.
You want a doctor who offers comprehensive care to help you with osteoporosis prevention. Ideally, they can confidently refer you to specialists in their network if the need arises.
Consider Dr. Lona Sasser, Obstetrics & Gynecology, proudly serving patients in Broward and Dade County. Making an appointment is easy. Your health is always our top priority!
Book online or give us a call at (954) 340-1050.