The answer: VERY!
Hip fractures can happen suddenly, but for most people it is simply a matter of “when” and not “if”.
And, it is one of the leading causes of death in the United States! These fractures often lead to severe infection the patient cannot survive.
Fortunately there are simple tests and treatments you can do to lower your risk.
Tests we can do to determine your risk of hip fracture:
- DXA Scan – a painless, outpatient procedure to check for bone thinning and weakness
- N-Telopeptide – a urine test to determine how much bone you are losing.
Treatments to prevent hip fractures:
- All Hormones – these help rebuild bone
- Vitamin D is crucial to help the body absorb calcium for strong bones
- Strontium
- Weight Bearing Exercise
- Calcitonin
As always, NEVER take a hormone or supplement without good reason and proper lab work. Knowing your levels is a must so you not only save time and money, but more importantly do not create adverse health issues. Learn what labs we look for in our patients to optimize their health: Elite Male Female Laboratory/
To learn more about Hip Fractures, testing and how to prevent them, call our office today at 937-350-5527
More on DEXA Scans:
DEXA stands for dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry. It is a totally safe, painless, noninvasive way to measure bone density and determine total body fat. The amount of x-ray exposure from DEXA is less than 1/10th of the dose you would get from an ordinary chest x-ray. This test is conveniently available in our institute.
Men and women with endocrine disorders, such as low growth hormone, low testosterone (andropause), high thyroid hormone (Grave’s Disease), high cortisol hormone (Cushing’s Syndrome), and hyperparathyroidism can also experience bone loss leading to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis can lead to hip fractures and spontaneous vertebral fractures, which lead to loss of height. Both of these are easily prevented if the diagnosis is made early. There are various therapies available to treat osteoporosis. The earlier that therapy is initiated the less likely the patient is to develop fractures.
