The Osteoporosis Basic Profile consists of selected tests that provide a first, basic picture of patients who are most at risk for developing osteoporosis. This test can help make specific therapeutic interventions to reduce bone loss and increase bone regeneration. The Osteoporosis Basic Profile is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment regimens.
Risk factors for osteoporosis
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Gender (more common in women)
- Race (most often in Caucasians)
- Poor diet and smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of exercise
- Very low weight
- Long-term treatment with steroids and some other drugs
- Menopause in women
- High consumption of carbonated soft drinks, coffee, tea, meat
- Insufficient calcium intake or insufficient absorption
- Gastrointestinal surgeries
- Advanced age
- Chronic stress
- History of fractures
- Hormonal imbalances, including hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Why is the Osteoporosis Basic Profile test necessary?
Bones are constantly recycled, resorbed, and reshaped. The bone is resorbed (absorbed) by the osteoclasts and the bones are formed by the osteoblasts. Osteoporosis is a common disease of postmenopausal women and is associated with increased bone resorption and reduced bone formation. The result is the creation of thin and weak bones which are prone to fractures. Osteoporosis is now being increasingly diagnosed in older men as well. Early diagnosis allows therapeutic intervention and prevention of bone fractures.
Osteoporosis can be prevented with diet and lifestyle interventions and sometimes with supplements. In people who have already developed osteoporosis, lifestyle, diet, and supplements can also play a key role in slowing the disease down.
The early stages of the disease are asymptomatic. Only laboratory tests can provide the evidence necessary to start the therapeutic interventions in time.
