Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Because we are all striving for more advanced ages, you’ve likely heard of osteoporosis, the chronic condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. But what most adults don’t know is that this disease often develops quietly over time, without obvious symptoms. That’s why staying informed and proactive about your bone health is so important, especially as age.
Since hormone levels play a key role in bone regeneration, particularly during and after menopause, osteoporosis is often tied to hormonal changes. This is where an endocrinologist’s expertise becomes especially important. These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat hormone-related conditions like osteoporosis, helping you protect your bones and reduce fracture risk.
Here, our SouthCoast Health Endocrinology Team is sharing some more helpful facts about osteoporosis and tips to keep your bones healthy through every stage of life.
Your body is constantly at work, carrying out incredible processes every day, and your bones are no exception. As you reach peak bone mass (usually by your early 20s), your body enters a lifelong cycle of breaking down old bone tissue and replacing it with new. Fascinatingly, your skeleton becomes almost entirely different during each decade of adulthood.
But as you move into your 40s and beyond, that rebuilding process starts to slow down. Bone breaks down more quickly than it can be replaced, and over time, this can mean your bones become thinner, weaker, and more brittle. While some tissue loss is a natural part of aging, osteoporosis occurs when bone density becomes so low that even a minor fall — or sometimes just daily movement — can cause a fracture.
Osteoporosis is more than just a bone condition. It’s also deeply connected to your hormonal health. That’s why endocrinologists, who specialize in hormone-related conditions, are often the go-to providers for both diagnosing and managing osteoporosis. They can assess hormone imbalances, review medications and underlying conditions, and help tailor treatments that support long-term bone health.
For example, thyroid disorders, adrenal issues, or menopause-related estrogen loss can all impact bone density and these are core areas of endocrinology care.
Osteoporosis is four times more common in women than men. Biologically, people assigned female at birth have smaller bones than males, as well as undergo hormonal changes that affect bone health, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include:
Understanding your personal risk factors can help you take meaningful steps to protect your bones. Hormone-related conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, Cushing’s syndrome, or early menopause can increase your risk of osteoporosis and may require specialized endocrinology care.
Since the early stages of osteoporosis typically don’t show symptoms, it’s often called a “silent disease.” As the condition progresses, you might notice loss of height, a stooped posture, back pain, or bones that break more easily than expected. These fractures can happen anywhere in your body, but the most common sites include the spine, hip, and wrists.
If osteoporosis is suspected, providers can use a bone density test known as a DEXA scan, along with blood tests to check calcium and vitamin D levels. While diagnosis often begins with a primary care provider or specialists like a rheumatologist or OB/GYN, an endocrinologist is typically involved when a hormone-related cause is suspected or when more specialized care management is needed.
While there isn’t a cure for osteoporosis, there are effective treatments that can slow bone loss, and in some cases, help rebuild bone. Endocrinologists play a key role in managing this condition by developing personalized treatment plans that may include medications to strengthen bones, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and guidance on lifestyle modifications to reduce fracture risk. For postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also be recommended: for the right candidates, this treatment can be an effective option for increasing bone mineral density.
Although you can’t always prevent osteoporosis entirely, there are plenty of ways to support bone health no matter your age.
If you’re concerned about your osteoporosis risk, SouthCoast Health is here to help. Our endocrinology specialists can help you navigate all of the health challenges that come with hormone changes and imbalances, including how your bone density may be impacted. Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists or any of our other experienced providers online or by calling 912-691-3600.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Founded in 1996, SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 17 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
