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With the end of September comes the end of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month but it is never the end of Metro Urology’s work to support men and their partners living with cancer; and all individuals with urologic conditions. A condition that is not generally associated with urologic conditions but does affect some urology patients is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis (also known as a thinning of the bones) is defined as a loss in bone mineral density and is a risk for men over the age of 70 and/or men who have undergone treatment to suppress testosterone (for example, hormone injections for prostate cancer).
Because many individuals are unaware they have osteoporosis until their bones become brittle, it is extremely important to monitor bone density. It is recommended that men at risk for osteoporosis have a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test on a yearly basis.
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Other risk factors for osteoporosis include:
· A family history of osteoporosis
· Caucasian (white) or Asian descent
· Thin build
· Smoking
· Infrequent exercise
· Alcohol or caffeine
· Low amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
Men who feel they are at risk for osteoporosis should promptly talk with their physician at Metro Urology or their primary care physician to discuss whether a BMD Scan is appropriate. Metro Urology uses a DXA Scan to provide their patients with the best level of care. Men at risk for osteoporosis have the opportunity to have a DXA Scan at Metro Urology.
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The DXA Scan is a very simple painless test. It takes only a few minutes to measure your bone density and tell you if your bones are showing signs of osteoporosis.
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Your first scan provides a baseline for which bone health can be monitored in the future.
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If you are interested in having your bone density tested please contact your Metro Urology physician; he or she can prescribe a BMD test and start them you on a plan to monitor and treat your bone health to prevent unnecessary fractures.
For more information on osteoporosis please consult with your Metro Urology or primary care physician. Other helpful organizations are; The National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1-800-223-9994 or www.nof.org and The Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center, 1-800-624-2663 or www.osteo.org.
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