Recent controversial data surrounding HRT regarding whether it increases the risk for breast cancer leads DiLauro to suggest that physicians whose patients are inquiring about this treatment should explain the options along with their risk and benefits and let the patients decide for themselves. Alternative therapies such as soy and herbal products, which have recently been gaining more attention as possible treatments for the symptoms of menopause, are not thoroughly proven. DiLauro suggests that women who are interested in alternative therapies should discuss it with their physician before taking any of these products because they may affect other prescription hormones. Come in every year for your annual exam and we will look at the options and decide what is appropriate'. Osteoporosis Bone densitometry scans measure bone density and can diagnose potential osteoporosis.
Bone mass is stocked from childhood by eating a calcium-rich diet.
At 25 or 30 years of age, the bone mass that has been established levels off. Once a woman enters menopause, the estrogen deficiency accelerates bone loss and her bone density shows a slow decline for the rest of her lifetime making her more susceptible to fractures and at risk for osteoporosis. For postmenopausal women, estrogen loss is a significant risk factor for developing osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become porous and brittle, but a myriad of other risk factors exist including age, excessive alcohol and caffeine use, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking, being Caucasian or Asian, a diet low in calcium, a family history of osteoporosis and the use of certain medications. Raynor suggests that postmenopausal women without other risk factors other than low estrogen levels discuss the option of having a bone density test with their physician. However, women who are receiving treatment for osteoporosis should have a bone density test every two years to monitor their bone mass improvement.