Osteoporosis Specialist

Prescott Women's Clinic

OBGYNs located in Prescott, AZ & Prescott Valley, AZ

The caring specialists at Prescott Women’s Clinic in Prescott and Prescott Valley, Arizona, provide effective diagnosis and treatment options for health conditions like osteoporosis. The staff at the facility urge potential patients to visit the facility and talk to the doctors if they have questions or concerns about osteoporosis and other conditions that affect women's health. To schedule a consultation today, call the office or book an appointment online.

Osteoporosis Q & A

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a health condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak. A patient's bones are alive and functioning even though they may seem completely solid.

In healthy bone, the tissues are continuously broken down and regenerated allowing them to remain strong. Osteoporosis alters how the bones are regenerated after tissues have been broken down. Basically, the formation of new bone tissue dramatically decreases, while the breakdown of the tissue remains the same. This leaves the bone with less solid tissue creating weakened areas that are easily fractured or broken.

Osteoporosis has very few symptoms and is more prevalent as a patient ages. It is often associated with a reduction of hormone production, especially estrogen.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Osteoporosis is diagnosed through the use of a bone density test. The patient lies on a slightly padded table and an X-ray is taken of the bones. The X-ray will show your provider the mineral density of the bones and determine whether or not a significant amount of bone loss is occurring.

Your Prescott Women’s Clinic provider will also look at a patient's overall health and lifestyle patterns. Patients who smoke, do not exercise regularly, or eat a poor diet are more likely to have osteoporosis than others who live a healthier, more active lifestyle.

When osteoporosis is caught in the earliest stages, creating healthier lifestyle habits may be what is needed to reverse the initial effects of the condition.

What treatment options are available for patients with osteoporosis?

The treatment of osteoporosis is based on several factors. These factors are, the age when the diagnosis was received, the severity of the condition, and how likely it is that a fracture or break will occur within the next five to ten years.

Medications known as bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed to help the bone retain calcium and magnesium. Calcium/magnesium supplements may also be recommended. Dietary changes are also beneficial but should not be the only treatment method used to maintain positive bone density.

Most patients are treated using several methods in an attempt to not only strengthen bone but also ensure good physical health throughout the body.

To get expert treatment for osteoporosis, contact Prescott Women’s Clinic by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.