Home About Us Medical Staff Curtis D. Struyk, M.D. Douglas M. Van Drie, M.D. Judith A. Hiemenga, M.D. Roger W. Edvenson, M.D. Michael L. Bennett, M.D. Elizabeth J. Luce, M.D. Jason B. Bennett, M.D. Kate Haehnel, MS, CUPN, FNP Kathleen Hascher, MSN, FNP Obstetrics Pregnancy FAQs Your First Visit Fetal Well-Being Kick Counts The Non-Stress Test Biophysical Profile Should I Call The Doctor? Active Labor Post Partum Visit Welcome To The World Gynecology Incontinence Pelvic Floor Rehab Overactive Bladder Heavy Periods Pelvic Pain Endometriosis Interstitial Cystitis Vulvodynia Infertility Fibroids Permanent Contraception Abnormal Pap Smear Pap Test HPV Testing Other Menopause Osteoporosis PMS Yeast Infections Procedures Colposcopy Endometrial Biopsy Hysteroscopy LEEP Essure Endometrial Ablation Thermachoice Renessa Novasure Tegress TVTs Surgery GVG Imaging Ultrasound Facts 3D Ultrasound Gynecologic Ultrasound Obstetrical Ultrasound Biophysical / Amniotic Ultrasound Pelvic Ultrasound Nuchal Translucency Amniocentesis Lung Maturity Notification Of Scan Results Memory Photos & Videos AIUM Official Statements What's New Glossary Links Common Problems

What is Osteoperosis?

Osteoporosis, meaning porous bone, is a disease consisting of low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to fragility and increased risk of fracture. It is also called 'the silent' thief because it occurs without symptoms. The most common fractures occur in the hips, wrist and spine. Hip fractures most often require surgery and hospital stays. Spinal fractures can result in loss of height.

Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis then men. Fifty-five percent of people over the age of fifty are at risk to develop osteoporosis. Of the estimated ten million Americans diagnosed with osteoporosis, eight million are women.

Without getting tested, most people do not realize they have osteoporosis until they sustain a fracture or a vertebral collapse. Risk factors, which increase the chances of developing osteoporosis, include:
  • Low bone mass
  • Being female
  • Old age
  • Low intake of calcium during lifetime
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Inactive lifestyle
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Fractures after the age of fifty
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Being very thin; having a small, delicate frame
  • Estrogen deficiency from early or surgically induced menopause
  • Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Use of certain medications

Post menopausal women can lose up to twenty percent of their bone mass in the first five to seven years after menopause.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to detect osteoporosis is with a specialized test known as a Bone Mineral Density test, which we offer as an in-office appointment at GVG. Other types of treatment include:

  • Medications
  • Hormone Therapy

Prevention is the best course of action to avoid osteoporosis. By the age of twenty, you have acquired ninety-eight percent of your skeletal mass. Keep calcium and Vitamin D in your diet, don't smoke or drink alcohol excessively, exercise - including weight bearing, get tested, and talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk. The most important thing to remember about osteoporosis is that it can be prevented. 		Click to visit the FPMU site
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1900 Wealthy SE, Suite 330
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

4600 Breton SE, Suite 202
Kentwood, MI 49508

Fax 616-774-0651
Phone 616-774-0700