November is also National Osteoporosis Month and although Osteoporosis is not as sensationalized in the media as other diseases such as cancer and diabetes, the fact is that over 2 million Canadians suffer from this disease. Osteoperosis is characterized by low bone mass and the deterioration of bone tissue. It has been labeled the “silent thief”, as unfortunately, symptoms of the disease are not obvious and often the first sign is a broken or fractured bone.  

Typically, our bodies are able to replace old bone cells with new bone cells in order to keep them strong and healthy. Osteoporosis occurs when our bodies remove more bone than it can sufficiently replace, thus making them weaker and more likely to fracture or break.

There is no one identifiable cause associated with osteoporosis; however, several risk factors are known to contribute to the condition:

• For women bone loss occurs rapidly in the first 5 to 10 years after menopause, due to decreased levels of estrogen. 
• Age is a major determining factor for osteoporosis; affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men over the age of 50.
• If you have Crohn’s or Celiac disease you are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
• If you have a family history of osteoporotic fractures.
• If you have reached menopause before the age of 45.
• If you have been diagnosed with primary Hyperparathyroidism or Hypogonadism (low testosterone in men, loss of periods in younger women).

At Medcan we offer Bone Mineral Density (BMD) screening that can be added to our Comprehensive Health Assessment for women over the age 65, or earlier for men and women with specific risk factors.  BMD screening is also known as densitometry and is done using a technique called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The BMD test works by measuring a specific bone or bones, usually the spine, hip, and femur (leg). The density of these bones is then compared with an average index based on age, sex and size to determine your individual risk. The test takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

There are several types of treatment options that your doctor may recommend for osteoporosis. Medications such as bisphosphonates, a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator), calcitonin or PTH (parathyroid hormone) help to slow the rate of bone loss and increase bone density.  Your doctor may also recommend taking a Vitamin D and calcium supplement along with these medications. Changes in lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, increasing regular exercise and changes in diet, can also help to slow the process of bone loss.

Treatment options considered by your Physician will vary by patient. A multi-disciplinary approach is usually taken to help manage osteoporosis. For more information or to book a Comprehensive Health Assessment and BMD screening with the Medcan Clinic please call 416.350.3900 or email the bookings team at bookings@medcan.com.