Decreased bone density, also known as osteopenia or osteoporosis, is a medical condition characterized by porous and brittle bones that are more susceptible to fractures. This happens when the body removes more bone tissue than it replaces over time.
Some key points about decreased bone density:
People with decreased bone density often show these changes on a BMD test before fractures happen. The earlier it is caught, the better the chances of managing bone loss before it progresses.
Some common symptoms that may indicate decreased bone density if other causes are ruled out:
Fractures are often what alert doctors to check bone density and diagnose osteoporosis if present.
Aging and hormonal changes like (/services/menopause-hormone-therapy/) are top reasons for bone loss. But other factors like genetics, body frame, diet, smoking, alcohol use, and inactivity also impact bone health over decades. Catching potential problems early allows more time to slow or stop excessive bone loss through lifestyle strategies and advanced (/difference/protocols/) from clinics like Elite Hormone Therapy.
The gold standard diagnostic test is a central dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan comparing bone density to young normal and age-matched peers. This painless scan uses very low radiation.
Treatment is customized and layered, using both drug options and lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, safe sun exposure, and advanced hormone correction of deficiencies. Elite Hormone Therapy offers cutting-edge (/services/osteoporosis/) using a wide range of therapy options fit to each patient's needs and risks.
The takeaway? Decreased bone health is common but treatable. Through periodic screening and early action, worse bone loss can often be reduced or reversed - especially when using leading-edge solutions from clinics focused on healthy aging through hormonal balance, like Elite Hormone Therapy.