Normal Bone Density
Your bone density is within the normal range.
Your provider will still consider other risks, such as falls or previous fractures.
Personalized Bone Health Care
Osteoporosis & Bone Health Management
A comprehensive, physician-led approach to understanding bone density, identifying contributing factors, reducing fracture risk, and protecting long-term strength and mobility.
- DXA and fracture-risk review
- Hormonal and metabolic evaluation
- Individualized long-term monitoring
Your Bone Health Matters
Stronger Bones Start With Personalized Care
Your bone health depends on more than a scan. Your age, hormones, diet, activity, medications, and medical history all play a part in keeping your bones strong.
We look for what may be contributing to bone loss and work with you on a plan to protect your strength, mobility, and independence.
Understand Your ResultsReview your bone-density scan, previous fractures, and risk of falls.
Look for Possible CausesCheck for vitamin deficiencies or medical conditions when needed.
Find the Right PlanDiscuss exercise, nutrition, medications, and other treatment options.
Track Your ProgressFollow changes in your bone health and adjust care over time.
Protect Strength and Independence
Why Bone Health Deserves Attention
Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more likely to break. Bone loss usually happens quietly, so you may not know you have it until a fracture occurs.
A broken bone can make everyday activities harder. Checking your bone health early can help you understand your risk and take steps to prevent fractures.
Your scan is only part of the picture. Previous fractures, falls, medications, and other health conditions also help us understand your risk.
Could You Be at Risk?
Talk with your provider if any of these apply to you.
- A fracture after a minor fall or low-impact injury
- Osteopenia or osteoporosis reported on a DXA scan
- Height loss, upper-back curvature, or unexplained back pain
- Early menopause or low estrogen over a long period
- Low testosterone or diagnosed testosterone deficiency
- Long-term use of steroid medicines, such as prednisone
- Thyroid, parathyroid, kidney, gastrointestinal, or inflammatory disease
- Low body weight, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss
- Family history of hip fracture or osteoporosis
- Smoking, excessive alcohol use, frequent falls, or limited activity
- Medications or cancer treatments associated with bone loss
- A previous hip, spine, wrist, pelvis, or shoulder fracture
Bone-density screening is recommended for women age 65 and older and for younger women after menopause who have a higher risk of fractures. For men, your provider can help decide when testing makes sense based on your health and risk factors.
Bone Density and Fracture Risk
A DXA scan measures bone density. Its T-score compares your result with that of a healthy young adult. These categories are used for women after menopause and men age 50 and older; younger adults usually need a different interpretation.
Osteopenia
Your bone density is lower than normal, but not low enough to meet the scan criteria for osteoporosis.
Whether you need medication depends on your overall chance of breaking a bone.
Osteoporosis
Your bone density is low enough to meet the scan criteria for osteoporosis.
A hip or spine fracture from a minor fall can also signal osteoporosis, even if your score is higher.
How Hormones Affect Your Bones
The Role of Hormones in Bone Health
Your body constantly replaces old bone with new bone. Hormones help keep this process in balance, and changes in hormone levels can affect bone strength.
Menopause and Estrogen
Lower estrogen after menopause can speed up bone loss. Hormone therapy may help protect bones in some women, depending on their symptoms, age, and health history.
Testosterone in Men
Diagnosed testosterone deficiency can affect bone and muscle strength. Treatment may help, but men at high risk of fractures may also need osteoporosis medication.
Thyroid Health
Too much thyroid hormone can weaken bones, including when a thyroid medication dose is too high. Blood tests help your provider check that treatment is right for you.
Parathyroid Health
These small glands help control calcium in your body. If they are overactive, they can contribute to bone loss and may need further evaluation.
Your Bone-Health Visit
We start with your concerns and choose the assessments that are right for you.
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Your Health History
We discuss previous broken bones, falls, family history, medications, and daily habits.
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Your Bone-Density Scan
We review your bone-density scans and compare results over time. Spine imaging may help if a fracture is suspected.
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Blood Tests When Needed
When needed, blood tests check vitamin D, calcium, kidney function, or hormone problems that may affect your bones.
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Your Risk of a Fracture
We consider your scan and health history. A tool called FRAX may help estimate your chance of a fracture over the next 10 years.
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Your Care Plan
Together, we choose practical steps, treatment options, and a follow-up schedule that fit your needs.
Everyday Steps for Stronger Bones
Everyday habits can help protect your bones and muscles. If you need osteoporosis medication, these habits support your treatment.
Move and Build Strength
Walking, strength exercises, and balance practice can help. Ask which activities are safe if you have pain, a previous fracture, or difficulty moving.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium helps build bone, and vitamin D helps your body absorb it. Your provider can review your diet and help you decide whether you need supplements.
Eat to Support Your Strength
Eating enough protein and balanced meals helps maintain muscle and bone. Let your provider know about poor appetite or rapid weight loss.
Fall Prevention
Improve lighting, remove tripping hazards, and wear supportive shoes. Have vision problems, dizziness, or balance concerns checked.
Review Your Habits and Medications
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol. Ask your provider whether any of your medications or health conditions could be affecting your bones.
Stay Active and Independent
Build safe movement into your routine. Physical therapy may help with posture, confidence, and everyday activities when needed.
Understanding Your Options
Choosing the Right Treatment
Your provider will explain which medicines may lower your chance of a fracture. The choice depends on your bone health, other medical conditions, previous treatment, preferences, and cost.
Medicines That Slow Bone Loss
- Tablets such as alendronate or risedronate
- Zoledronic acid, given through an IV
- Denosumab, given as an injection
- Other options, such as raloxifene, for selected women after menopause
Medicines That Build Bone
- Teriparatide
- Abaloparatide
- Romosozumab
- Usually considered when the chance of a fracture is very high
Make a plan before changing treatment. Some medicines need to be followed by another treatment to keep their benefits. Do not stop or delay denosumab without your provider’s guidance: rapid bone loss and spine fractures can follow.
Care for Women and Men
Men Need Bone Care, Too
Men can develop osteoporosis, too. Aging, low testosterone, long-term steroid medicines, and certain health conditions can increase the risk.
If you have broken a bone after age 50 or have other risk factors, ask whether you need a bone-health evaluation.
Keeping Track of Your Progress
- Repeat bone-density scans when needed
- Check for new fractures, falls, or height changes
- Review blood tests and how treatment is working
- Plan safely before changing or pausing medication
In-Person and Video Visits
Video visits can help with reviewing results, discussing treatment, and follow-up. Scans, physical exams, and some treatments require an in-person visit.
Bone Health FAQs
Answers to common questions about bone loss and treatment.
What is the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis?
Osteopenia means your bones are less dense than normal. Osteoporosis means more significant bone loss and a greater chance of fractures. Your provider considers both your scan and your health history when recommending care.
Does osteoporosis cause symptoms?
Usually, there are no symptoms until a bone breaks. New back pain, height loss, or a more curved upper back should be checked because they can be signs of a spine fracture.
Who should receive a DXA scan?
Women age 65 and older, and younger women after menopause with increased risk, should be screened. For men and other adults, testing depends on factors such as previous fractures, medications, and medical history.
Can osteoporosis be reversed?
Treatment can improve bone density and lower the chance of fractures. Regular follow-up helps protect those improvements and keep you moving safely.
Is calcium enough to treat osteoporosis?
Calcium and vitamin D are important, but they may not be enough on their own. If your fracture risk is high, medication may also be needed.
Can hormone therapy help bone density?
It can help prevent bone loss in some women after menopause. Your provider will weigh the benefits against risks, including blood clots and certain cancers, based on your health history.
Can testosterone treat osteoporosis in men?
Treating diagnosed testosterone deficiency may help bone and muscle health. It does not replace osteoporosis medication when a man has a high risk of fractures.
How often should I repeat a DXA scan?
It depends on your previous results, treatment, and changes in your health. Your provider will recommend a schedule; not everyone needs a scan every year.
Can I stop medication when my bone density improves?
Check with your provider first. Some medicines need to be continued or replaced with another treatment to prevent rapid bone loss.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes, when appropriate. You can review results and discuss your plan by video, while scans, exams, and some treatments take place in person.
Why Alpha Hormones
Care That Looks at Your Whole Health
We connect bone-health care with the rest of your health, helping you understand your results and choose practical next steps.
Physician-led, evidence-based care
A clear explanation of your fracture risk
Checks for underlying causes of bone loss
Help arranging scans when needed
Guidance on treatment choices
Support as your needs change
Educational information: This page provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Your provider will recommend testing and treatment based on your individual needs.
Take the Next Step Toward Stronger Bones
Concerned about bone loss or a recent fracture? Meet with our Pasadena medical team to understand your risk and create a plan for stronger bones.
