Osteoporosis | Austin, TX

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thin, brittle, and weak – increasing the risk of fractures. Broken bones due to osteoporosis can lead to permanent disability and are linked to a significantly increased risk of death. Although osteoporosis occurs in both genders, it is five times more likely to occur in women than in men.

In the female body, the hormone estrogen protects against bone loss, however, after menopause, the ovaries produce very little estrogen. This decrease in estrogen typically triggers a period of rapid bone loss in women that starts about one year before their final menstrual period and lasts for approximately three years.

Dr. Ruthie Harper takes a functional and integrative approach to preventing, treating and reversing bone loss. She combines the most advanced screening and diagnosis for loss of bone density and osteoporosis, with state-of-the-art treatment options, as well as lifestyle adjustments and interventions to prevent, slow, and even reverse the progression of bone density loss.

If you live in Austin, Texas schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Ruthie Harper in person. If you live in Texas, outside the Austin area or prefer telemedicine, we offer virtual appointments. We look forward to helping you take the first step to regaining your health, preventing disease, and feeling your best!

Osteoporosis
Austin, TX

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thin, brittle, and weak – increasing the risk of fractures. Broken bones due to osteoporosis can lead to permanent disability and are linked to a significantly increased risk of death. Although osteoporosis occurs in both genders, it is five times more likely to occur in women than in men.

In the female body, the hormone estrogen protects against bone loss, however, after menopause, the ovaries produce very little estrogen. This decrease in estrogen typically triggers a period of rapid bone loss in women that starts about one year before their final menstrual period and lasts for approximately three years.

Dr. Ruthie Harper takes a functional and integrative approach to preventing, treating and reversing bone loss. She combines the most advanced screening and diagnosis for loss of bone density and osteoporosis, with state-of-the-art treatment options, as well as lifestyle adjustments and interventions to prevent, slow, and even reverse the progression of bone density loss.

If you live in Austin, Texas schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Ruthie Harper in person. If you live in Texas, outside the Austin area or prefer telemedicine, we offer virtual appointments. We look forward to helping you take the first step to regaining your health, preventing disease, and feeling your best!

Osteoporosis Prevention & Treatment

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone density, making bones weak and prone to fractures. It is diagnosed based on a T-score or bone density measurement that is 2.5 or more standard deviations below the average density of healthy young adults of the same age and ethnicity on the bone density report. Osteopenia is a milder form of bone loss, with a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5. T scores can be improved significantly with the right knowledge and interventions! Osteoporosis is primarily caused by imbalances between the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are cells responsible for bone formation and resorption, respectively.

The goal is to have more osteoblast activity (laying down new bone) and less osteoclast activity (removing old bone) to maintain bone strength. Most drug companies focus on manipulating osteoclasts, which only keeps old bone around. Functional medicine aims to increase osteoblast activity to promote the formation of new strong bone.

How Common is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis influences 200 million women in the world with women being more prone to osteoporosis than men.
1 in 3 women & 1 in 5 men will suffer from osteoporosis.
An estimated 8.9 million fractures/year occur due to osteoporosis with projections of this increasing to 10.95 million fractures per year in the near future.
50% of women and 22% of men have a lifetime risk of a fracture related to osteoporosis.
A fracture related to osteoporosis occurs every 3 seconds.
In the US, there are 10 million people who have osteoporosis (most are older than 50 years of age) and osteoporosis fractures occur in 1.5 million people annually.
The rate of mortalities due to hip fracture has been shown to be close to 25%. Most deaths occur within six months of the fracture.

Blood Testing for Osteoporosis

Blood work plays an important role in evaluating and treating osteoporosis. Comprehensive blood tests can provide valuable insights into bone health and should be considered in relationship to the cost of fractures and associated risks.

Blood Testing for Osteoporosis includes:

Homocysteine and MTHFR:

Elevated homocysteine levels may increase the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and other health issues.
Vitamins (riboflavin, pyridoxine B6, cobalamin B12, folate, Vitamin D) and metabolites/amino acids (choline, serine, glutathione, cysteine) can impact bone density.
Comprehensive MTHFR testing and homocysteine blood levels are recommended.
Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Anemia and Bone Density:

Iron is essential for collagen formation, which contributes to bone strength.
Mobilizing iron through our mineral rebalancing program can support bone health.
Ferritin, Iron, TIBC, and % Sat tests can evaluate iron status.

Nutritional and Micronutrient Considerations:

Building strong bones requires more than just calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
Nutrients including calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, vitamin C, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, strontium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin K, B vitamins, and EFA are important for bone health. We do specific micronutrient testing for these important nutrients essential to bone health.

Factors Affecting of Bone Density

BMI, gender, peak bone mass at a young age, physical activity, drugs (steroids), malabsorption, diet, nutrients, genetic factors, tobacco smoke, chronic inflammation, sarcopenia, stress, and inflammation all affect bone density.

Other Factors Affecting Bone Health

Statins may have conflicting effects on bone health and the risk benefit relationship should be discussed with the patient.
Regular exercise is essential for optimal bone health. We will make specific recommendations here.
Protein intake should be balanced to prevent bone loss. We will make specific macronutrient recommendations to make sure you have adequate levels of bone building nutrients.

Medications for Osteoporosis

SERM’s, bisphosphonates, and RANKL antibody medications can help decrease bone breakdown but do not rebuild strong healthy bone. The net result may be more bone that is weak.

Treating Osteoporosis

Taking a comprehensive approach to bone health before, during and after menopause is crucial.
Proper nutrition, exercise, and monitoring bone density are essential to prevent osteoporosis and maintain overall health.
Working with us to create a comprehensive and personalized approach to your unique needs for optimal bone health is critical!

DEXA SCAN

The DEXA, or “Dual X-ray Absorptiometry”, is a quick, pain free scan that provides you with the most accurate and in-depth analysis of your fat tissue, lean mass, and bone density which all affect your longevity and health. A DEXA scan has no more radiation than a chest X-ray and 1/20th the radiation of a mammogram. You should get a DEXA scan once a year to follow the trends in your body composition, especially as you age.