Osteoporosis screening

Osteoporosis is a common condition resulting in loss of bone-strength. It is a frequent cause of fractures and hospitalisation, especially in the elderly. Throughout life, the body breaks down bone and replaces it with new tissue. As we grow older, we don’t build as much new bone. The bone mass gradually declines and the bones progressively become porous and vulnerable to fracture.

Women are particularly at risk of osteoporosis after the menopause, because of the change in hormone levels. Hormones affect bone turnover and health. The female hormone oestrogen protects the bones, so bone density reduces significantly when periods finish. Post-menopausal women, especially those whose periods stopped before the age of forty five, women who had early ovarian removal and those who missed periods because of eating disorders are all at increased risk of osteoporosis.

Although women are four times more likely to develop the condition, many men have osteoporosis too and they are often underdiagnosed and treated.

London Medical offers screening investigations, expert analysis and supportive care by experienced physicians for anyone who is worried about osteoporosis.

Our bodies can make the vitamin D they need from sunlight. But gloomy British weather, mobility problems, lives spent inside and on screens and the use of sun block mean that we often have insufficient sun exposure. Elderly people in the UK are frequently deficient in vitamin D and levels of the vitamin may be especially low in people with darker skins, individuals with mobility problems and people eating a low fat diet.

The Scientific Committee on Nutrition released a report highlighting the importance of vitamin D for bone strength. Vitamin D supplements are safe and well tolerated, so it’s worth considering taking a daily supplement containing 10 µg of vitamin D daily.

Osteopenia is diagnosed when tests show decreased bone density, but not as significant a decrease as is seen in osteoporosis. The specialists at London Medical may still recommend treatment and may arrange follow up to monitor your progress and to prevent further bone loss.

The deformity that has traditionally been called a dowager’s hump is caused by osteoporosis. The condition leads to bone thinning and fractures. Collapse or crumbling of the bones in the spine can cause loss of height and a rounding of the back, which is often seen in elderly women.

If this runs in your family, or you’ve noticed changes in your height, make an appointment with London Medical. It’s never too late to invest in your health and safeguard your future.