Osteoporosis Screening & Treatment | Santa Fe OBGYN

Osteoporosis affects more than 40 million American women, yet it often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs, as bone loss typically progresses without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Low bone density becomes increasingly common after menopause when declining estrogen levels accelerate bone loss, making early detection and prevention strategies crucial for maintaining long-term bone health and independence.

The consequences of untreated osteoporosis extend far beyond simple bone breaks, with hip fractures representing one of the most serious complications. Statistics reveal that approximately 20% of individuals who suffer hip fractures die within one year due to complications, while many others never regain their previous level of independence or mobility. Spine fractures due to osteoporosis can also cause chronic pain, height loss, and postural changes that significantly impact quality of life.

At Santa Fe OBGYN, we recognize that preventing osteoporotic fractures requires a comprehensive approach that combines early detection, risk factor assessment, and personalized treatment strategies. Our caring and experienced women’s healthcare providers utilize advanced diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art treatments to help women maintain strong bones throughout their lives.

From routine bone density screening and lifestyle counseling to hormone replacement therapy and pharmaceutical interventions, we work with each patient to develop individualized prevention and treatment plans that address their unique risk factors and health goals – so you can live with health, strength, vitality now and for decades to come.

Osteoporosis
Santa Fe OBGYN

Osteoporosis affects more than 40 million American women, yet it often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs, as bone loss typically progresses without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Low bone density becomes increasingly common after menopause when declining estrogen levels accelerate bone loss, making early detection and prevention strategies crucial for maintaining long-term bone health and independence.

The consequences of untreated osteoporosis extend far beyond simple bone breaks, with hip fractures representing one of the most serious complications. Statistics reveal that approximately 20% of individuals who suffer hip fractures die within one year due to complications, while many others never regain their previous level of independence or mobility. Spine fractures due to osteoporosis can also cause chronic pain, height loss, and postural changes that significantly impact quality of life.

At Santa Fe OBGYN, we recognize that preventing osteoporotic fractures requires a comprehensive approach that combines early detection, risk factor assessment, and personalized treatment strategies. Our caring and experienced women’s healthcare providers utilize advanced diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art treatments to help women maintain strong bones throughout their lives.

From routine bone density screening and lifestyle counseling to hormone replacement therapy and pharmaceutical interventions, we work with each patient to develop individualized prevention and treatment plans that address their unique risk factors and health goals – so you can live with health, strength, vitality now and for decades to come.

Osteoporosis Screening & Treatment

DEXA Bone Density Screening

DEXA bone density screening is a simple, painless test that takes pictures of your bones to see how strong they are—think of it as a specialized X-ray that can detect bone thinning before fractures occur. The procedure is quick and comfortable, requiring you to lie still on a padded table for about 10-15 minutes while a scanner passes over your body. You’ll remain fully clothed and experience no discomfort during the scan, which uses very low levels of radiation—much less than a standard chest X-ray.

At Santa Fe OBGYN, we recommend this important screening for all women at age 65, or earlier if you have risk factors like a family history of osteoporosis, previous fractures, or take certain medications that can affect bone strength. Your results will show us exactly how your bone density compares to healthy bones, helping us catch any problems early when they’re most treatable.

Our caring team will explain your results in clear, understandable terms and work with you to develop a personalized plan to keep your bones healthy and strong throughout your life.

BHRT for Osteoporosis

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) offers a natural approach to preventing and treating osteoporosis by restoring the hormonal balance that supports healthy bone metabolism throughout a woman’s life. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, which explains why bone loss accelerates dramatically during menopause when estrogen levels decline. BHRT utilizes hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced by the human body, potentially offering more benefits with fewer side effects compared to synthetic hormone preparations.

Research demonstrates that hormone therapy can significantly reduce vertebrae fractures by up to 35% and hip fractures by approximately 25% when initiated during the early postmenopausal period. BHRT is carefully customized based on individual hormone testing, symptoms, and risk factors, with delivery methods including pellets, that provide steady hormone levels throughout the day.

Learn More About BHRT

Medications for Bone Density

If your bone density screening reveals that you need medication to strengthen your bones, rest assured that we have many safe and effective treatment options available to help protect you from fractures. The most commonly prescribed bone medications work by slowing down the natural process that breaks down old bone, giving your body time to build new, stronger bone tissue. Many of these medications have been used safely for decades and have helped millions of women maintain their independence and quality of life by preventing dangerous fractures.

Clinical trials demonstrate that bisphosphonates can reduce spine fractures by 40-70% and hip fractures by 40-50% when used consistently over several years. We’ll discuss the benefits and any potential side effects in language you can understand, and we’re always available to answer questions or address concerns that arise during your treatment. Our goal is to find the medication that works best for your lifestyle and health needs, that fits seamlessly into your routine while keeping your bones strong and healthy.

Osteoporosis Screening & Treatment | Santa Fe OBGYN

Osteoporosis Santa Fe OBGYN

Osteoporosis Screening & Treatment

DEXA Bone Density Screening

BHRT for Osteoporosis

Medications for Bone Density

Osteoporosis
Santa Fe OBGYN