Conditions we treat
Osteoporosis treatment in Mayagüez
Osteoporosis doesn’t hurt until it causes a fracture. Finding it early and treating it can prevent serious falls and protect your independence.
What is osteoporosis?
It’s a condition in which bones lose density and become fragile, so they break more easily, even from a minor fall. The most common fractures are in the hip, spine and wrist.
Risk factors
- Being a woman, especially after menopause
- Older age
- A family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
- Smoking or heavy drinking
- Long-term use of steroids (cortisone)
- Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, parathyroid problems or rheumatoid arthritis
- Low calcium or vitamin D, or little physical activity
How we help
We assess your fracture risk using your history, a bone density scan (DEXA) and lab tests to rule out other causes of bone loss. Depending on the results, your plan may include:
- Medications that slow bone loss or help build new bone
- Adjusting calcium and vitamin D
- Exercise and fall-prevention recommendations
- Follow-up bone density scans to measure progress
Frequently asked questions
What is a bone density scan?
It’s a quick, painless test, similar to an X-ray, that measures the density of your bones, usually at the hip and spine. It helps diagnose osteoporosis and shows how it responds to treatment.
Do men get osteoporosis too?
Yes. It’s less common than in women, but it happens, especially with age, low testosterone or the use of certain medications.
Is calcium alone enough?
Calcium and vitamin D are important, but once osteoporosis is present, specific medications are almost always needed to lower the risk of fractures.
This information is for education and does not replace a medical evaluation. If you have an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.