Posted on Thursday, October 6, 2016 in Obstetrics/Gynecology
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps.
Osteoporosis means "porous bone." Osteoporotic bones have lost density or mass and contain abnormal tissue structure. As bones become less dense, they weaken and are more likely to break. If you're 50 or older and have broken a bone, ask your Signature Medical group doctor about a bone density test.
About 10 million people in the U.S., 90 percent women, have osteoporosis and another 30 million have osteopenia, a precursor, according to Dr. Gregory L. Jewell of Signature Medical Group. Dr. Jewell is a certified member of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry.
Dr. Jewell says women should be screened for osteoporosis at the time of menopause. If their bone density is normal, they should be screened every two years. If it's abnormal and more treatment is required, screening should occur yearly. Set up an appointment today with Dr. Jewell or any of our other bone density experts at Signature Medical Group.