Osteoporosis
The young body is developing in a number of ways, one of which is the accumulation of new bone. In our youth, the body produces new bone faster than existing bone breaks down. As we age, this process reverses, and the body's production of new bone can no longer keep up with the breakdown of existing bone. The result of this breakdown is osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is the condition in which the loss of bone tissue leads to brittleness and fragility in the various bones of the body. Bone tissue is porous. If viewed under a microscope, tiny tunnels like honeycomb can be seen. When these tunnels become exceedingly large, a person is diagnosed with osteoporosis. The concern with this diagnosis is that there is a marked increase in the risk for fractured or broken bones due to minor accidents.
The more severe the condition, the more easily a fracture may occur. The most commonly affected areas include the spine, wrist, and hip. In addition to fractures, osteoporosis can also cause the bones in the spine, the vertebrae, to wear down. The result of this spinal degeneration is a stooped or hunched posture and chronic pain.
Both men and women may develop osteoporosis. Women, however, are at the greatest risk, especially the post-menopausal woman. The primary reason that women may be more susceptible to this condition is the association with decreased sex hormones, namely estrogen. Over-activity in the thyroid gland may also increase a person's risk. In addition to certain biochemical factors, there are several aspects of a person's lifestyle that may increase or decrease their chances of losing valuable bone density.
Osteopenia is an intermediate level with just minor loss. Measurement of bone density in the hip and spine can be used to screen for these conditions with a painless DEXA machine.
Women, in particular, can benefit from making sure their diet or supplement program contains sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D. If the vitamin D level is low, prescription for a high dosage may be recommended for a short time. The higher vitamin D level is, the better the body can absorb calcium.
Treatment for osteoporosis may also include specific medication designed to achieve stronger, healthier bones. The prescription for medication is carefully tailored to the individual based on the amount of bone loss, age, and other factors.
Osteoporosis can be a serious problem. Don't wait for this condition to affect your quality of life. Contact Northwestern Women's Health Associates, S.C. for your bone density assessment today.
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Osteoporosis is the condition in which the loss of bone tissue leads to brittleness and fragility in the various bones of the body. Bone tissue is porous. If viewed under a microscope, tiny tunnels like honeycomb can be seen. When these tunnels become exceedingly large, a person is diagnosed with osteoporosis. The concern with this diagnosis is that there is a marked increase in the risk for fractured or broken bones due to minor accidents.
The more severe the condition, the more easily a fracture may occur. The most commonly affected areas include the spine, wrist, and hip. In addition to fractures, osteoporosis can also cause the bones in the spine, the vertebrae, to wear down. The result of this spinal degeneration is a stooped or hunched posture and chronic pain.
Both men and women may develop osteoporosis. Women, however, are at the greatest risk, especially the post-menopausal woman. The primary reason that women may be more susceptible to this condition is the association with decreased sex hormones, namely estrogen. Over-activity in the thyroid gland may also increase a person's risk. In addition to certain biochemical factors, there are several aspects of a person's lifestyle that may increase or decrease their chances of losing valuable bone density.
Osteopenia is an intermediate level with just minor loss. Measurement of bone density in the hip and spine can be used to screen for these conditions with a painless DEXA machine.
Treating osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is not a condition for which there is a cure. Our goal in treating is first to take preventive measures. The physicians at Northwestern Women's Health Associates, S.C. get to know their individual patients. By familiarizing ourselves with a patient's health history, we are better able to assess the risk factors for osteoporosis well before this condition can cause problems.Women, in particular, can benefit from making sure their diet or supplement program contains sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D. If the vitamin D level is low, prescription for a high dosage may be recommended for a short time. The higher vitamin D level is, the better the body can absorb calcium.
Treatment for osteoporosis may also include specific medication designed to achieve stronger, healthier bones. The prescription for medication is carefully tailored to the individual based on the amount of bone loss, age, and other factors.
Osteoporosis can be a serious problem. Don't wait for this condition to affect your quality of life. Contact Northwestern Women's Health Associates, S.C. for your bone density assessment today.
Back to Gynecology Home Page
At Northwestern Women's Health Associates
your unique needs are our highest priority.
Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.Success Stories
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Jen Weitz
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"Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"
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Melissa P.
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"Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"
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Jeanne S.
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"I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."
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Kelly C.
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"Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."
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Ashes M.
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"Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"
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Mengmeng L.
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"Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"
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Anahita K.
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"Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."
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Dana M.
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"I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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Barbara A
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"I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "
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