If osteoporosis is only now starting to get the attention it deserves, Randy Parr, RPA-C, who works at a private practice in Long Beach, N.Y., and specializes in gynecology with an emphasis on menopausal women, proves to be ahead of her time. Parr and her supervising physician make osteoporosis management a priority for their menopausal population, and have for about two or three years, she says. In Parr's practice, perimenopausal women all get BMD tests. If they fall within normal range, Parr starts them on a program of weight-bearing exercise and calcium supplementation. According to Parr, NOF's guidelines fall right in step with the way she's been practicing.
BMD tests are quick and painless.
Clinicians may use the results to initiate therapy to reduce fracture risk and prevent further bone loss if bone mass is low. One of the most important things addressed by the NOF guidelines is the frequency of BMD testing, Dr. Moore notes. The most accelerated period of bone loss is the first five years of menopause. The NOF guidelines provide recommendations not just for menopausal women but for all adults. According to NOF, all adults should take in 1,200 mg of calcium per day and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D per day, engage in weight-bearing exercise and avoid alcohol and tobacco.