Osteoporosis Specialist
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The Riegel Center
Christopher J. Riegel, M.D.
Hormone Replacement Specialist & Age Management Specialist located in Plano, TX
About 33% of women and 20% of men over age 50 suffer osteoporosis-related bone fractures during their lifetime. The risk of osteoporosis is highest during menopause in women and andropause in men, the periods in which hormone levels decline. Fortunately, you can reduce your osteoporosis risk by making smart lifestyle choices and having hormone replacement therapy. At The Riegel Center, hormone specialist Christopher Riegel, MD, uses his 30-plus years of extensive experience to customize osteoporosis prevention and treatment plans for every individual. Call the Plano, Texas, office or click the provided scheduling link now.
Osteoporosis Q & A
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bone weakening. If you have osteoporosis, your bones grow thinner and more porous and brittle, which significantly increases your risk of bone fractures.
Usually, osteoporosis is a silent disease. It can progress to a point where your bones are very weak, but you may not know it until you fracture a bone. That’s one reason why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends bone density scans for women starting at age 65 or as early as age 50 if you’re at risk for osteoporosis.
Women are four times more likely to have osteoporosis, but it occurs in men as well. In both sexes, osteoporosis is far more common with age.
How do hormones affect osteoporosis?
There are a few hormones that play a key role in osteoporosis. These include:
Estrogen
When estrogen levels drop dramatically in menopause, bone loss increases. This is the main reason why osteoporosis is so common in menopausal women.
Testosterone
Men change a small amount of natural testosterone into estrogen. When men's testosterone levels start a slow decline at about age 30, both testosterone and estrogen decrease, lessening bone density.
Thyroid hormone
Excessive thyroid hormone, a problem related to hyperthyroidism, can trigger rapid bone loss.
Cortisol
Excess cortisol blocks calcium absorption, which can lead to weakened bones.
Whether you have too much or too little of a certain hormone, it can wreak havoc on your skeletal system. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent and treat osteoporosis at The Riegel Center.
How is osteoporosis treated?
Dr. Riegel performs a complete assessment, focusing on blood tests that can reveal hormonal imbalances. He typically suggests a multipronged approach that emphasizes whole-body health.
Stopping smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and taking supplements such as vitamin D and calcium can all be highly beneficial preventive tactics.
If you have any type of hormone imbalance, an extremely common factor in most cases of osteoporosis, Dr. Riegel creates a personalized bioidentical hormone formula for your specific needs. He prescribes his own proprietary treatment plans for every patient, using formulas exclusive to The Riegel Center.
With the right treatment approach, you can strengthen your bones and prevent the severe damage of osteoporotic fractures. Take the first step in osteoporosis prevention by calling The Riegel Center office or clicking on the online appointment maker now.
