Physiological Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Unfortunately, there are few visible signs of osteoporosis, hence why it has been dubbed as the "silent disease" because of its ability to go undetected for years. Therefore, it's important to be familiar with what causes the disease as a means to prevent getting osteoporosis altogether. About 44 million Americans, of which 80 percent are women, are potentially subject to getting osteoporosis. People with advanced osteoporosis may experience pain in the back, hip fractures or broken hands and wrists. Others will only know whether they have the disease through a bone mineral density scan (BMD).

Testing

• The only true way of determining whether you have osteoporosis is by having your health provider test you with a BMD scan. Alongside that, hormone levels and vitamin and mineral standings may also be checked. It is highly recommended by health professionals that women over age 65 definitely be tested for the disease. However, when factoring in diet, lifestyle and medications, many people tend to be at a higher-than-perceived risk for bone loss. For some, conducting a BMD scan well before the age of 65 may prove to be the best solution in preventing this disease.

How BMDs are Conducted

• This test is most commonly done through a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, previously DEXA). No pain is experienced with this type of test. In many cases, people avoid or put off testing due to the pain or time factors associated with the testing. Thankfully this is one test you don't have to worry about in either case. While lying on a padded table, your physician will take about five to 10 minutes projecting an energy beam through your spine and hip to measure your bone density, causing you no discomfort.

Insurance Company Coverage

• Check with your insurance company to see whether the test is covered, as some insurance companies only cover these tests for people exhibiting strong factors of getting osteoporosis. If you don't qualify for coverage but want the testing done, expect to pay about $150 for a BMD scan. Sometimes you can get free testing done at health fairs and clinics. Technicians will get your T-score by scanning your ankle bone. Though not as accurate as the BMD, it is a good initial assessment.

Medications

• Go through your medications, as some do potentially cause bone loss. In particular, look for the following types of medications: glucocorticoids, SSRI antidepressants, rosiglitazone, thyroid hormone, phenytoin, proton pump inhibitors, antacids (with aluminum), gonadotropin releasing hormone, heparin or lithium. If taking any of these types of medications, talk with your doctor about the dosage and time frame you need to be on them, as they have been associated with bone loss.

Recommendations

• Get your recommended daily value of calcium and vitamin D through greens, almonds, dairy products, quality dietary supplements, and oats and soy products. Do daily exercise with strength training and cardiovascular routines. Try to quit smoking if you're a smoker, as smoking makes it difficult for your bones to absorb calcium and thereby doubles your risk factor for bone fractures. Genetics and heredity play a huge role in your chances of getting osteoporosis. If your family is prone to getting osteoporosis, then you will have a 60 to 80 percent likelihood of getting it, too. Consider taking BMD tests periodically so that you know where you stand, especially if your chances are high of getting osteoporosis.