Osteoporosis

New medications and other treatments have changed the way we look at osteoporosis, the bone degeneration usually associated with the aging process. Osteoporosis affects an estimated 10 million people and almost 34 million have low bone mass, putting them at increased risk for developing osteoporosis.

The condition is typically considered a "woman's disease," but 2 million of those with the disease are men. In fact, about 30 percent of hip fractures occur in men, and one in eight men over 50 years of age will experience an osteoporotic fracture.

Today, we know much more about diagnosing, preventing and treating osteoporosis as well as the condition's resulting complications. In addition to estrogen, other medications are available to control the disease.

Our specialists at UCSF Medical Center can choose the best treatments for your individual needs. Equipped with a state-of-the-art digital scanner for spine, hip and wrist scans as well as an ultrasound scanner for heel bone measurements, we can diagnose osteoporosis in its early stages and determine your risk of eventual fracture.

For treatment, you may be referred to an endocrinologist, orthopedic specialist or rheumatologist, depending on your condition.

Our researchers have been working for more than 15 years to discover risk factors for fracture and test new diagnostic equipment and treatments, many of which are now part of the standard arsenal for managing osteoporosis.

For more information, talk to your primary care doctor or call:
Endocrinology (415) 353-2350

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Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated April 27, 2009