Bones not only connect our whole skeleton, but also numerous areas in medicine: from general medicine to rheumatology, urology, orthopaedics to gynaecology and laboratory medicine. That is why the diagnosis and treatment of decreased bone density is a crucial requirement for the long-term treatment of a metabolic disorder through medical collaboration.
A standardised and evidence-based management of osteoporosis has been developed around the world and also been adopted in Germany by the German umbrella association for osteology (Dachverband Osteologie - DVO).
When should bone density be measured?
Here are the most frequent reasons to have a bone density measurement taken:
- Family disposition to osteoporosis
- Chronic lack of movement (e.g. paralyses)
- Menopausal women who smoke: smoking blocks the effect of oestrogen in bones early, meaning that bone density decreases faster when there is a lack of oestrogen, e.g. in the menopause
- Underweight and malnutrition
- Men with a testosterone deficiency
- Long-term & cortisone therapy