What happens during a bone health assessment?
March 20, 2025
What happens during a bone health assessment?
As you approach menopause, it’s essential to start scheduling bone health assessments at least annually to determine if you have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects nearly 20% of women
50 and older in the United States, as well as nearly two million men. But the good news is that the screening process is completely painless, and it can be easily included as part of your annual women’s exam at Central Clinic for Women!
We’re conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus and committed to providing dedicated and compassionate care for women of all ages. Our services include state-of-the-art 3D mammography, which improves early breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to help you restore hormones that are naturally lost as you get older. Here are a few common questions we hear about osteoporosis and bone health assessments, and we’re always a phone call away if you don’t see the answer to your specific question below!
What are the bone density testing procedures?
Bone density tests are typically performed on bones likely to break due to osteoporosis, including your forearm bones and your lower spine, and the process typically takes 10-30 minutes. You’ll sit or lie still as a mechanical arm passes over your body, and you’ll be exposed to a small amount of radiation (less than a chest X-ray).
What is the medical treatment for osteoporosis?
If you have osteoporosis, your doctor might prescribe bisphosphonates to help you slow the breakdown of bone; she might also prescribe selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or other hormones to help you maintain bone density.
What can I do on my own to improve bone health?
One of the easiest things you can do to treat osteoporosis is to make a few easy lifestyle changes. First, drink alcohol only in moderation and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your nutrient-rich diet should include plenty of calcium and vitamin D, as well as the proper balance of proteins and vegetables. You should also walk or get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, and if you smoke, quit now! Finally, get regular checkups to monitor your overall health, and check with your doctor before starting any new exercise programs or physical activities!
Contact us online
or at (501) 227-5885
today to schedule your annual exam or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
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As you approach menopause, you’ve probably already heard a lifetime of horror stories from friends and older relatives about what to expect. The experience certainly has no shortage of ups and downs, but they all survived, and so will you! The good news is that you won’t have to go through “the change” on your own, and our dedicated all-woman team of healthcare professionals at Central Clinic for Women is here to ease your menopause journey! We’re conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus in Little Rock, and our services include annual women’s health and cervical cancer screenings, 3D mammograms, bone health assessments, and other tests and procedures as needed. We recognize that each woman's experience is unique, and we provide individualized care to address your specific needs and concerns so you can navigate menopause with confidence. Here are a few frequently asked questions about menopause, and we’re a phone call away if you’d like to learn more or schedule your annual well-woman exam. When does menopause begin? Menopause begins for most women when they reach their early 50s, but some women might start experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-to-late 40s. What are the most common symptoms of menopause? Many women start experiencing a host of unpleasant symptoms once they reach middle age, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods; You might also experience mood swings or struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Menopause affects all women differently, and it’s important to discuss any new symptoms or changes to existing symptoms with your doctor right away. What can I do on my own to manage my symptoms? One of the most important things you can do to manage menopause symptoms is to eat right and get 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least three times a week. And if you smoke, quit now! It should also come as no surprise that stress can adversely affect your health, so do your best to identify the natural stressors in your life and plan accordingly. There’s also no shame in talking to a behavioral therapist or other mental health professional if you need further assistance to cope with extreme stress, anxiety, or depression! Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 to schedule a menopause care appointment or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
