Summary

Osteoporosis is more than just a T score or bone density. It is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue over time. The goal is to prevent the risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is often a silent disease, with most people not experiencing symptoms until they have a fracture. The number one job should be to prevent fracture, as hip fracture has a high mortality rate and can lead to loss of independence. Screening and treatment can prevent 50% of fragility fractures. DEXA is used to measure bone density and calculate T scores, which determine the diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. FRAX is a tool used to estimate fracture risk and guide treatment decisions. There are many factors that contribute to bone loss, including genetics, gut dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, hormone imbalance, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use. Preventing bone loss requires identifying and addressing the underlying causes, optimizing sleep, exercise, nutrition, and spiritual health, considering supplementation and hormone optimization, and using pharmaceuticals only when necessary.

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Key Characteristics of Osteoporosis: 

• Low Bone Mass
• Deterioration of Bone Tissue
• Disruption of Bone Architecture
• Compromised Bone Strength
• Increased Risk of Fracture

Know Your Risk:

To better understand your risk of a hip fracture or other major osteoporotic event, calculate your FRAX® Score.  

FRAX® is a Fracture Risk Assessment Tool that uses various factors to stratify your risk for having a potentially devastating Osteoporotic Event. Once you calculate your FRAX® Score add your results to your lab tracker. We have created a digital lab tracker that is accessible in Measuring Bone Health and a Printable lab tracker that is available in the Measuring Bone Health workbook module.

Review the What is Osteoporosis workbook module to learn more about the data needed to calculate your FRAX® Score. 

Calculate your FRAX® Score Here

Takeaways

• Osteoporosis is more than just bone density and is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue over time.
• The goal is to prevent the risk of fracture, as hip fracture has a high mortality rate and can lead to loss of independence.
• Screening and treatment can prevent 50% of fragility fractures.
• DEXA is used to measure bone density and calculate T scores, which determine the diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis.
• FRAX is a tool used to estimate fracture risk and guide treatment decisions.
• There are many factors that contribute to bone loss, including genetics, gut dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, hormone imbalance, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use.
• Preventing bone loss requires identifying and addressing the underlying causes, optimizing sleep, exercise, nutrition, and spiritual health, considering supplementation and hormone optimization, and using pharmaceuticals only when necessary.

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