Menopause and Osteoporosis
The “change of life” known as menopause doesn’t have to change your life. All women experience menopause differently. When your body decides it’s time for the change of life, certain symptoms will appear. Changes to your menstrual cycle and symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings are common signs of menopause. This period is also the time when you’re most at risk for osteoporosis and heart disease.
Menopause and Osteoporosis
Evaluation and Treatment Plans for Menopause and Osterporosis
Dr. Hessel uses natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to correct hormonal imbalances that typically show up as you age. Dr. Hessel is an expert in menopause treatment and its early-stage cousin, perimenopause. She can also guide you in the most effective methods of prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, which often accompanies menopause.
Thinning Bones and Osteoporosis Care
As we age, our bones tend to thin out and become more brittle and prone to fracture. This is called osteoporosis or osteopenia (the early stage version). Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. In fact, about half of women older than 50 suffer bone fractures from osteoporosis.
Diagnosis is fairly simple using a bone density scanner such as a DEXA. Calcium is an important mineral needed to form new bone. If you lack sufficient calcium and vitamin D in your diet, your bones are more likely to fracture. Other leading causes of bone loss are drops in estrogen among women in menopause and not enough exercise.
You can also lose bone density and thickness from:
- Being confined to bed
- Lack of weight-bearing activity
- Some other medical conditions (ask Dr. Hessel)
- Certain medicines (ask Dr. Hessel)
More common risk factors for osteoporosis are:
- Absence of menstrual periods
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Thin frame, low body weight
- Smoking
If detected early, osteopenia is easier to treat and with more treatment options such as calcium, vitamin D supplementation and Genistein treatments (soy derivative).
Women worry about the treatment of osteoporosis with medications that can cause side effects. Dr. Hessel offers menopause treatment options that lower the risk of side effects and are personalized for your individual needs.
Main Office
Same day and Telemedicine appointments are available.
(718) 275 – 7200
(347) 531 – 0220
69-15 Yellowstone Boulevard Suite 3 Forest Hills, New York 11375
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
All inpatient and out patient procedures.
(718) 470-7000
270-05 76th Avenue New Hyde Park,
NY 11040