Wwhat is osteoporosis (bone loss)?
Osteoporosis is the medical term for osteoporosis. When there is osteoporosis, the bones become weaker, causing them to break faster. Bone decalcification itself does not cause any complaints, but bone fractures as a result of osteoporosis can be very painful and lead to permanent pain and disability. Typical bone fractures in osteoporosis are vertebral collapse, wrist and hip fractures. These fractures usually occur after an accidental fall, but can even arise spontaneously.
Bone fractures are common with osteoporosis. Half of all women and a quarter of all men will experience this during their lifetime. The main cause of osteoporosis is therefore aging, but the menopause in women also plays a role. Certain diseases or the use of medicines can also contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
Bone density measurement (DEXA scan)
Bone decalcification is determined by a bone density measurement and a picture of the lower vertebrae with a DEXA scan. During this examination, you will lie on an examination couch with an X-ray machine above it. This examination takes about fifteen minutes and is not very taxing.
Treatment
Bone decalcification is a chronic disease for which various drug treatments are possible. These treatments are effective in preventing bone fractures and can be used long-term and safely. In addition, a lot of scientific research is being done to develop new medicines.
The consultation
When you are referred to the osteoporosis clinic, you will visit the outpatient clinic twice. The first time you get a DEXA scan, is there blood and urine tests done and fill a questionnaire in. During the second appointment you will receive all the results and the internist-endocrinologist will give you personal treatment advice. The results and treatment are then also sent back to your GP.
Aftercare
We will contact you two months after you have started treatment to find out how you are doing. One year after the treatment you will come back again for a repeat of the DEXA scan and the blood and urine tests to assess whether the treatment is effective. Depending on these examinations, we decide on the continuation of the treatment.
