Osteoporosis Specialist in Singapore
Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disorder defined by decreased bone density and mass, leading to increased bone fragility and risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in Singapore; an estimated one in three Singaporean women over 50 have osteoporosis.
Factors such as aging, hormonal changes, inadequate calcium, vitamin D intake, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to its development.
Other than eating medications to increase bone density, prevention and management of osteoporosis also involves lifestyle modifications (like beginning to engage in weight-bearing exercises and a healthier diet).
Other than eating medications to increase bone density, prevention and management of osteoporosis also involves lifestyle modifications (like beginning to engage in weight-bearing exercises and a healthier diet).
Navigating Postmenopause and its Connection to Osteoporosis
Postmenopausal health undergoes significant changes, and one prevalent concern is osteoporosis. Following menopause, the decline in estrogen levels contributes to bone density reduction, making bones more susceptible to fractures and breaks. Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” that progresses without visible symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Endocrine conditions with hormonal imbalance, for example, cortisol excess or low parathyroid levels, can cause osteoporosis. Other causes with a higher risk of osteoporosis are chronic renal disease, metabolic bone disease, vitamin D deficiency, a family history of osteoporosis, a low body mass index (BMI), insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, and lack of physical activity.
Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for promoting bone health and ensuring a vibrant and active lifestyle during this life stage. Book an appointment with our Senior Consultant Endocrinologist to empower yourself with knowledge and take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal endocrine health.
Endocrine conditions with hormonal imbalance, for example, cortisol excess or low parathyroid levels, can cause osteoporosis. Other causes with a higher risk of osteoporosis are chronic renal disease, metabolic bone disease, vitamin D deficiency, a family history of osteoporosis, a low body mass index (BMI), insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, and lack of physical activity.
Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for promoting bone health and ensuring a vibrant and active lifestyle during this life stage. Book an appointment with our Senior Consultant Endocrinologist to empower yourself with knowledge and take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal endocrine health.
Osteoporosis is a type of metabolic bone disorder caused by decreased bone mass density, thus putting a person at risk of sustaining a fracture even by a trivial trauma such as a minor fall. This is more commonly seen in the postmenopausal phase of female life, as estrogen levels start declining after menopause.
Estrogen, an essential reproductive hormone, plays a pivotal role in maintaining bone density, as it promotes the activity of osteoblasts, which is helpful in bone formation. When estrogen levels are low, bone resorption (breakdown) outpaces bone formation, decreasing bone mass and making bones more porous and fragile, thus prone to fracturing the hip, long bones of the arm and leg, and spinal bone. In Men, the low testosterone causes similar weakening of the bone and may be at the risk of fragility fractures.
Estrogen, an essential reproductive hormone, plays a pivotal role in maintaining bone density, as it promotes the activity of osteoblasts, which is helpful in bone formation. When estrogen levels are low, bone resorption (breakdown) outpaces bone formation, decreasing bone mass and making bones more porous and fragile, thus prone to fracturing the hip, long bones of the arm and leg, and spinal bone. In Men, the low testosterone causes similar weakening of the bone and may be at the risk of fragility fractures.
Endocrine conditions with hormonal imbalance, for example, cortisol excess or low parathyroid levels, can cause osteoporosis.
Other causes with a higher risk of osteoporosis are seen in chronic renal disease, metabolic bone disease, vitamin D deficiency, a family history of osteoporosis, a low body mass index (BMI), insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, and lack of physical activity.
Other causes with a higher risk of osteoporosis are seen in chronic renal disease, metabolic bone disease, vitamin D deficiency, a family history of osteoporosis, a low body mass index (BMI), insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, and lack of physical activity.
Osteoporosis often progresses without noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs. The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis typically happen in the hip, spine, and wrist. Nonetheless, some signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of osteoporosis or an increased risk of fractures. These include:
- Back Pain: Long-lasting, dull, or aching pain in the lower back, which may be caused by fractures or collapsed vertebrae.
- Loss of Height: Over time, individuals with osteoporosis can experience a gradual loss of height due to compression fractures in the spine.
- Change in Posture: The condition can lead to a stooped or hunched posture, called kyphosis, as a result of vertebral compression fractures.
- Fractures: Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, especially in weight-bearing bones like the hip, spine, and wrist. Fractures may occur more easily and with less force than in individuals with healthy bones.
- Decreased Grip Strength: Weakened bones can lead to a decrease in grip strength.
The key components of the osteoporosis diagnostic process are as follows:
- Detailed and pertinent Medical History Taking: Endocrinologists begin by obtaining a detailed medical history, including personal and family medical history, medications, lifestyle factors, and any previous fractures.
- Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination helps assess factors that may contribute to bone health, such as height loss, posture, and signs of fractures.
- Hormone Tests: For postmenopausal women, measuring hormone levels such as estrogen may help in assessing the impact of hormonal changes on bone density.
- Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Testing: Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA): assesses bone mineral content and density at specific sites, usually the spine, hip, or forearm.
- Blood Tests: Endocrinologists may order blood tests to assess levels of specific markers related to bone metabolism, such as calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D. Abnormalities in these markers may provide additional information about bone health.
Osteoporosis is a metabolic disorder that can typically be effectively managed by an endocrinologist through the following methods:
- Medications: Bisphosphonates, including alendronate, risedronate, and ibandronate, mitigate bone loss and lower fracture risk. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) like raloxifene, mimic estrogen’s positive impact on bone density without the associated risks, particularly suitable for postmenopausal women.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): The therapy helps maintain or increase bone density by providing hormones, such as estrogen, which decline during menopause. This therapy can mitigate bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women.
Managing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Here are some steps that you can take to improve your bone health after menopause:
- Nutrition: Adequate calcium and vitamin D uptake is essential for bone health. Postmenopausal women should focus on incorporating dairy products, leafy greens, or fish into their daily diet. Supplements may sometimes be recommended to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
- Physical Activities: Weight-bearing exercises, like walking or strength training, can help maintain bone density. Regular physical activities also stimulate bone formation and muscle buildup, reducing the risk of fractures.
- Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption are also crucial steps in preserving bone health.
- Early Medical Intervention: Medications may be prescribed to enhance bone density for women at a higher risk of osteoporosis, especially those with a family history or other risk factors. Regular bone density screenings are also advisable to monitor bone health and detect any issues early on.
As postmenopause brings about profound changes in a woman’s body, understanding the connection between hormonal shifts and osteoporosis is vital for maintaining long-term health. By adopting a proactive approach that includes a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and medical guidance, postmenopausal women can navigate this phase and protect their bone health for years to come.
Visit Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre
If you are suffering from any symptoms of post-menopause and osteoporosis, you can schedule an appointment with our Senior Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Vikram from Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre.
References:
- Bhatnagar A, Kekatpure AL. Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Literature Review. Cureus. Published online September 20, 2022. doi: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29367
- Ji MX. Primary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine. 2015;1(1):9-13. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdtm.2015.02.006
