Women's Services
Osteoporosis is known as the “silent epidemic.” While the effects of osteoporosis are most likely seen later in life, women need to be concerned about it across the lifespan to help prevent the risk of suffering from this debilitating disease. Major bone change related to osteoporosis can be minimized by practicing good health early on.
Perhaps the most important defense against osteoporosis is adopting, starting at a young age, a healthy lifestyle aimed at building and maintaining strong bones. Approximately 50 percent of postmenopausal women have osteoporosis and do not know it. This degenerative disease thins and weakens bones as women age and puts them at risk for osteoporosis-related fractures.
MYTH – If I fracture a bone, I’ll know it because of the pain.
TRUTH – Bones of the spine can fracture without causing pain, and when a fracture does cause pain, it can be mistaken for arthritis.
Osteoporosis is not an inevitable consequence of aging. With proper diet, supplemental calcium, and exercise, it can be prevented. Among the consequences of osteoporosis are the following:
- Bone Fractures – If you have osteoporosis, you may break or fracture bones more easily, especially in the spine, wrist and/or hip.
- Severe Back Pain – Osteoporosis can cause severe back pain that forces you to limit some of your activities.
- Curved Back – Sometimes called “dowager’s hump,” or kyphosis, a curved back can be caused by osteoporosis as multiple fractures collapse the vertebrae in the spine.
- Height Loss – You may experience height loss due to osteoporosis. An example may be if your pants seem longer or your waist seems thicker without weight gain.
- Memorial Hermann Imaging Centers are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to perform bone density testing through Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (Dexa). Dexa is one technique used to measure bone mineral density, a test that measures the amount of calcium in a specific region of the bones. From this information, an estimate of the strength of your bones can be made. DEXA is the most accurate method for measuring bone mineral density. It is fast and uses very low doses of radiation. This information is a useful diagnostic tool in diagnosing osteoporosis.
- With locations throughout greater Houston, it's easy to find a Memorial Hermann Imaging Center near you. Most of our locations include extended hours, next day scheduling and free parking.
The Breast and Bone Health Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital also performs bone density testing, as well as Instant Vertebral Assessment. This assessment identifies and evaluates bone mineral density with vertebral spine fracture prevalence. Test information is used to make the best possible preventive treatment strategy.