The Osteoporosis Program at Mount Sinai Morningside
The Osteoporosis Program at Mount Sinai Morningside provides comprehensive services for the prevention, identification, and treatment of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is often known as a silent disease. Patients often don’t know or feel that they’re affected by the disease but are in need of treatment. Osteoporosis is a common disease that causes bones in the body to become weak, thin, and easily fractured. Women in particular are at a higher risk for osteoporosis after menopause due to lower levels of estrogen, a hormone that helps maintain bone mass.
At Mount Sinai Morningside, our multidisciplinary program is staffed with a team of highly skilled rheumatologists dedicated to treating osteoporosis. We provide same-day, high-quality bone density scans, blood work, and complete evaluations for possible secondary causes that may contribute to decreased bone density. We also provide counseling services and referrals for physical therapy.
Patients can schedule appointments on the first Monday of every month by calling 212-241-1671.
X-ray shows fracture caused by osteoporosis
Diagnosis
Patients are usually diagnosed with osteoporosis during a routine screening for the disease with a primary care physician. Screening for osteoporosis is usually recommended for post-menopausal women over 65 years of age, men over 70 years of age, and women 50 to 64 years of age with certain risk factors.
We will also test patients for osteoporosis if they have:
- A family history of osteoporosis
- An autoimmune disorder like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- HIV/AIDS
- Digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease
- An endocrine/hormonal disorder like thyroid or parathyroid disorders, or low testosterone
Your doctor may perform a physical exam that checks for any changes in your posture, walk, balance, and muscle strength.
Bone density scans are the most reliable way to accurately diagnosis osteoporosis and determine fracture risk. Scans will also help monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.
The four stages of osteoporosis
Treatments
Treatments for osteoporosis are very effective. For patients undergoing osteoporosis treatment, we provide a variety of options for bone health.
Our treatments include:
- Medication: Your doctor will determine the best medication regimen considering your medical conditions and level of bone loss. Options include oral or intravenous bisphosphonate medications such as alendronate (Fosamax®) or zoledronic acid (Reclast®); subcutaneous (under the skin) injections like denosumab (Prolia®) or stronger subcutaneous injections like teriparatide (Forteo®), abaloparatide (Tymlos®), or romosozumab (Evenity®) for severe osteoporosis
- Exercise: Low-impact, weight-bearing exercises will help you build bone strength, as well as muscle mass and strength to lower your risk of falling.
- Calcium-rich diet: A healthy and balanced diet that is rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein will help minimize bone loss and maintain good health. Leafy greens, milk, yogurt, fish, and broccoli are all good sources of calcium.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for helping the body absorb and retain calcium for building and maintaining bone health. Your doctor will determine how much daily vitamin D is necessary based on your blood levels.