Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a “silent” bone disease commonly affecting postmenopausal females and is one of the more common causes of fractures in elderly women and men. In the United States, as per recent statistics, an estimated 10 million people age 50 years and older have osteoporosis.
Our endocrine and diabetes specialist Dr. Makhija is an expert in all osteopenia and osteoporosis disorders. She understands the disease process and how it affects each patient’s life. Dr. Makhija and her team offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to bone health including imaging, appropriate blood test, medications, nutrition, and exercise. She provides expertise throughout Central California and via telemedicine to all residents in the state of California. Call Unified Endocrine office at 559-272-9192 or click here to schedule an appointment.
Q: What is osteoporosis?
A: Osteoporosis is a bone disorder characterized by low bone density or skeletal fragility leading to an increased risk of fractures. Timely diagnosis and prevention can help reduce the burden of the disease, complications, and fractures.
Q: What are the risk factors for osteopenia/osteoporosis?
A: Other than age, some of the common risk factors as below should be assessed to determine if screening bone density is indicated:
Lean body weight
Premature or Early menopause
Rheumatoid arthritis
Prior history of fragility fracture
Family history of hip fracture
Kidney stones
High calcium/Hyperparathyroidism
Steroid exposure
Use of aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer
Long-standing vitamin D deficiency
Hypocalcemia (Low calcium in the blood)
Other medications causing bone loss
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperprolactinemia
Amenorrhea
Q: How are bone health and bone health diseases like osteoporosis managed at Unified Endocrine?
A: Bone health care is comprehensive, patient-centered, and holistic. At your initial consultation with Dr. Makhija, a detailed history of your symptoms and condition is reviewed along with a physical examination. As clinically indicated, a bone density test is ordered or reviewed if images/reports are available by Dr. Makhija and reviewed with you at the visit.
Dr. Makhija is an endocrinology specialist, so she can understand, diagnose and treat osteopenia/osteoporosis. She understands the patient’s symptoms and works with them to maintain an optimal bone mass as well as prevention for further bone loss. Dr. Makhija collaborates care when needed with experts in orthopedic surgery, oncologists, physical therapists, and other specialists.
Dr. Makhija has additional board certification in lifestyle medicine and is certified in plant-based nutrition from eCornell University. Based on individual health goals, these are discussed and outlined to improve health outcomes and prevent fractures and falls.
Your appointments can be in-person, via telemedicine for patients residing in the state of California to help you stay on track and adjust your health plan as needed.
A concierge or direct specialty care doesn’t bill your health insurance for the consultation which allows Dr. Makhija to spend ample amount with you as a patient, listening and understanding the symptoms and addressing the root cause of every disease. This establishes a foundation to discuss lifestyle, medications as well as educate and empower you with the right tools to get the best care.
For comprehensive care of low bone density from an expert in her field, contact Unified Endocrine at 559-272-9192 or email us for an appointment today.
