Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bone loss in older adults, and many may not even know it’s happening. Osteoporosis affects almost one in five women in the United States aged 50 or over, and it about five percent of men of the same age.
People with osteoporosis are more likely to break bones, most often in the hip, forearm, wrist, and spine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition can weaken bones to the point that a break can occur more easily, even if someone coughs or bumps into something. And as you get older, recovering from broken bones becomes harder.
In this Q&A, Ira Khanna, MD, a rheumatologist at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West, explains who is most at risk for osteoporosis, how you can slow the progression of the condition if you have been diagnosed, and the benefits of Mount Sinai’s Osteoporosis Program. Dr. Khanna is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Rheumatology) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Ira Khanna, MD, is a rheumatologist at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West. To schedule an appointment at the Osteoporosis Program, call 212-241-1671.
I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, what can I do to slow progression?
Talk to your doctor about the right medication for you, as osteoporosis treatments are very effective in not only slowing progression but improving your bone density. Make sure you are taking enough calcium in your diet with milk, yogurt, soy, green leafy vegetables, orange juice. You need 1,200 mg of calcium every day.
For reference, 300 mg of calcium is found in each of the following foods:
- 1 cup (8 fl oz) of milk
- 6 oz of yogurt
- 1.5 oz of natural cheese (such as cheddar)
- 2.0 oz of processed cheese (such as American)
Vitamin D supplementation according to your blood levels is very important for bone health. So is weight bearing exercises like walking, yoga, and light weights (no more than 10 pounds) above the neck.
Who is at higher risk of developing osteoporosis and what are the risk factors?
Women age 65 and older and men 70 and older should be screened for osteoporosis. Those at higher risk include:
- Postmenopausal women with other risk factors such as family history of hip fractures, certain hormone abnormalities with their thyroid, or parathyroid glands.
- Patients on medications such as steroids, seizure medications, certain HIV medications.
- Patients with eating disorders such as anorexia/ bulimia, or a history of gastric bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or excessive alcohol intake.
- Patients with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis.
How often should I have bone density tests, and what factors may influence changes in my bone health over time?
Bone density monitoring is usually done every two years. But your doctor may repeat after one year if they are starting or changing your treatment.
Other factors that may affect your bone health include:
- Your diet
- Making sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D, which is essential for good bone health.
- Continuing regular weight-bearing exercises, which help increase bone density and build muscle strength and balance, preventing falls
What resources does Mount Sinai offer to support and assist patients in managing their osteoporosis?
Mount Sinai offers highly trained endocrinologists and rheumatologists who can help you manage your osteoporosis across. In addition, our Osteoporosis Program, based at Mount Sinai Morningside, offers same-day bone density scans, as well as blood work to evaluate for other factors that could be contributing to low bone density, counseling on weight bearing exercises, and referrals to physical therapy. Your doctor will evaluate your individual needs based on your bone density numbers and medical conditions to pick the best medication for you.