At the Palm Beach Clinic in West Palm Beach, FL, Dr. Crandall is committed to effective osteoporosis management. Osteoporosis is characterized by a decline in bone strength and density. There are numerous osteoporosis types, and understanding your specific type is key.
Primary Osteoporosis
Primary osteoporosis is the most common type. During the aging process, natural decreases in hormone levels cause increased bone-tissue loss and a decline in bone-tissue production. This results in osteoporosis, especially when bone density is already low.
There are two sub-types of primary osteoporosis. Type 1, postmenopausal osteoporosis, mostly affects women between the ages of 50 and 70. Type 2, senile osteoporosis, affects people ages 70 and older.
Secondary Osteoporosis
Secondary osteoporosis can occur at any age and is caused by medications and medical conditions that affect bone metabolism and growth.
Medications that can cause secondary osteoporosis after long-term use include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, immune system medications, and corticosteroids. Other causes include thyroid hormone replacement and suppression medications, Depo-Provera, aromatase inhibitors, and proton pump inhibitors.
Conditions that can cause secondary osteoporosis include bone marrow disorders, health issues that affect the blood, and renal disorders. Endocrine system conditions, eating disorders, autoimmune conditions, collagen disorders, and gastrointestinal, hepatic, and nutritional disorders can also cause secondary osteoporosis.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
This rare form of osteoporosis is a group of congenital genetic disorders and can be mild or quite severe. Osteogenesis imperfecta reduces collagen development, increasing the likelihood of fractures. Patients may also experience hearing-loss issues and a bluish tint in the eyes.
Osteoporosis-Pseudoglioma Syndrome
With osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome, another rare type of congenital osteoporosis, there is a mineral shortage in the bones. This makes bones very thin and brittle and increases the chance of fractures. Multiple fractures are very common and can result in deformities of the limbs, thinning of the skull, spine issues, and shorter height.
Because the condition causes abnormalities in retinal tissue development, impaired vision and complete blindness are also common.
Idiopathic Osteoporosis
When osteoporosis is characterized as idiopathic, this means there is no known cause. Idiopathic osteoporosis is quite rare and can affect children, adolescents, men under 50, and premenopausal people. For people between ages 8 and 14, it’s known as idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis (IJO) and most commonly affects children who are overweight.
Transient Migratory Osteoporosis
Transient migratory osteoporosis is characterized by strong pain and bone fractures that migrate from a specific area of the body to another area. A scan of the affected region reveals a decline in bone mineral density, whereas other areas remain unaffected.
Pregnancy-Associated Osteoporosis (PAO)
During or immediately after pregnancy, people may experience pregnancy-associated osteoporosis (PAO). PAO occurs due to low bone mineral density, results in severe pain in areas like the hips or spine, and usually fully resolves.
Get Help Managing Osteoporosis
At The Palm Beach Clinic in West Palm Beach, FL, Dr. Chauncey Crandall uses a concierge medicine approach to manage several types of osteoporosis. Contact us for a consultation at our office near Pleasant City.