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BMD & Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease in which the bones slowly break down and become more fragile. If allowed to progress, osteoporosis may lead to bone fractures, according to the Mayo Clinic. These fractures typically occur around the hip and spine, potentially leading to permanent disabilities, chronic pain and possible death, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). To prevent such fractures, one must be vigilant about her bone health and bone density.

  1. Causes

    • The exact cause behind osteoporosis is not known. Researchers, however, have pinpointed the bone turnover process as a possible influence, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bones are living tissue. The body constantly breaks down and rebuilds bone tissues. When the breaking down process outpaces the bone building process, bone mass is lost. Weakened bone mineral density is the result.

    Bone Mineral Density

    • Bone mineral density (BMD) reaches its peak around a person's 20s and early 30s, according to the Mayo Clinic. After this age, density decreases. A variety of factors influences this process. Vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D contribute to bone mineral density. Similarly, estrogen levels may determine BMD, according to The Merck Manuals.

    Identification

    • Physicians often will order a bone mineral density test to determine either if someone has osteoporosis or if someone is at risk of the disease, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). This most common method of BMD testing involves dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), according to The Merck Manuals. The tests measures BMD around the spine and hips, where most fractures occur. Once a person undergoes this test, the lab will compare the test results to the established norm, says NIAMS. Results may be reported as a T-score. Normal T-scores fall between +1 and -1. Low bone mass falls between -1 and -2.5. Those with osteoporosis will have scores that fall below -2.5.

    Treatment

    • Once you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, your physician will likely prescribe a prescription drug to maintain and slow the loss of bone density, according to the Mayo Clinic. Physicians commonly prescribe biphosphonates such as ibandronate (Boniva) and alendronate (Fosamax) to stop bone breakdown and keep existing bone mass. Another popular medication prescribed is raloxifene (Evista). This medication acts like estrogen, slowing down the rate of bone loss. Calcitonin may be another option. This drug stops the bones from breaking down, according to The Merck Manuals.

    Prevention

    • Adequate calcium intake can preserve bone density. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults between 19 and 50 years old consume 1,000 mg of calcium per day and that adults over 51 years old consume 1,200 mg of calcium per day. The Mayo Clinic suggests that adults obtain between 400 and 1,000 IUs of vitamin D per day. Exercise also builds strong bones. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running and stair-climbing increase bone density, according to The Merck Manuals.

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