Prime Healthcare Endocrinology Group

Osteoporosis

The term “osteoporosis” comes from the Greek words for “bone” and “porous.” It is a disease characterized by increasing bone loss which can lead to fractures, height loss and a hump-backed appearance. One in two women, and one in five men, over the age of 65 will suffer at least one bone fracture due to osteoporosis.

The most serious risk for people with osteoporosis is hip fracture following a fall. But osteoporotic bones are so weak that it doesn’t always require a fall to cause injury – even everyday activities can result in a fracture. Spinal compression fractures, for example, are the most common osteoporosis-related injury and can be triggered simply by bending over.

A diagnosis of osteoporosis is made after a complete medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests including X-rays and bone densitometry. Other possible causes of bone loss must be ruled out as well. Lost bone cannot be replaced, but your doctor will work with you to prevent further weakening. The treatment plan may include exercise, diet changes, hormone therapy with estrogen (ERT) or anti-estrogens (SERMs), or bone-preserving medications such as Calcitonin or Alendronate.

Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include age and sex (post-menopausal women are at the highest risk), heredity (family history, slender build, fair skin), nutrition, sedentary life, medications (bone thinners, steroids) and illnesses. Everyone reaches a peak bone density at about age 20-25; after age 35, our bones lose mass and weaken unless we take action.

Osteoporosis is not curable, but it is preventable. You can maintain your bones’ health at any age by eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercising, not smoking, and limiting alcohol. Regular bone density testing can detect osteoporosis early, before you suffer a fracture.

Please visit Dr. Diez's website www.endocrine101.com to learn more about osteoporosis.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that involves enlarged ovaries that may contain many cysts and produce high levels of male hormones. This condition affects one in every ten women in the US and is the leading cause of infertility in women. The specific cause of PCOS is not known, but it involves an interruption in the reproductive cycle.

PCOS causes many different symptoms that can include:

Irregular or no menstrual period
Excess body hair
Acne
Enlarged ovaries with many cysts
Infertility
Obesity

If you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS, see your doctor right away. He or she may perform a blood test or ultrasound to diagnose the condition. Treatment for PCOS focuses on treating symptoms and preventing long-term damage. Since symptoms can vary, treatment may aim to regulate the menstrual cycle through insulin or medication, reduce excess hair growth through medication, help infertility, or remove hair.

If left untreated, PCOS can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome.

Please visit Dr. Diez's website www.endocrine101.com to learn more about polycystic ovary syndrome.

Prolactinoma

Prolactinoma is a condition involving a benign (noncancerous) tumor that develops within the pituitary gland of the brain and produces an excess of prolactin, a hormone that affects estrogen and testosterone levels. Although they are not life-threatening and do not travel to other areas of the body, prolactinomas can grow large and may lead to serious complications.

Patients with prolactinoma may experience:

Reduced hormone production
Headaches
Infertility
Loss of interest in sexual activity

Females may also experience breast milk production (galactorrhea) and irregular menstrual periods, while males can experience erectile dysfunction as a result of this condition.

Treatment for prolactinoma aims to restore normal levels of prolactin and pituitary gland function. This can be done through medication and/or surgery. Medications can help decrease prolactin production and reduce the size of the tumor in some patients, while others may require surgical removal of the tumor, which can be done through the nasal cavity or through a craniotomy.

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