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Osteoporosis and Calcium Disorders
At LW Cho Endocrine Clinic, we focus on maintaining strong bones and a healthy calcium balance for long-term well-being. Osteoporosis and calcium disorders can silently affect your body, increasing the risk of fractures and other health complications. With personalised care, we help you understand your bone and mineral health and offer effective treatment options.
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become brittle and more prone to fractures due to decreased bone density. Millions worldwide are affected, particularly women after menopause, as hormonal changes accelerate bone loss. Proper nutrition, adequate vitamin D, regular exercise, and early medical management are essential in preventing and managing osteoporosis. Similarly, calcium disorders in Singapore are increasingly recognised, as both low and high calcium levels can impact overall health.
Causes and Risk Factors of Osteoporosis
Causes
- Age: Bone density naturally declines with age, increasing fracture risk.
- Hormonal Changes: Reduced estrogen in women after menopause and low testosterone in men can accelerate bone loss.
- Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency: Insufficient calcium and vitamin D can weaken bones over time.
- Medical Conditions: Disorders such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers can increase the risk.
- Medications: Long-term steroid use, anticonvulsants, or certain cancer treatments may affect bone strength.
Risk Factors
- Gender and Age: Women over 50 face a higher risk; risk increases with age for both sexes.
- Family History and Ethnicity: Caucasians and Asians are more prone, particularly with a family history of osteoporosis.
- Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary habits, smoking, excess alcohol, or poor diet reduce bone health.
- Hormonal Factors: Early menopause, irregular periods, or low testosterone increase susceptibility.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders can contribute to bone loss.
Calcium Disorders
Maintaining the right calcium balance is crucial. Hypocalcemia (low calcium) can weaken bones and cause muscle cramps, while hypercalcemia (high calcium) can affect kidney and heart health. Seeking guidance from a hypercalcemia doctor ensures accurate diagnosis and safe treatment. Addressing calcium disorders in Singapore requires a personalised approach to restore balance, support bone health, and prevent complications.
What Is Hypercalcemia and Hypocalcemia?
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia refers to abnormally high calcium levels in the blood. Common causes include:
- Hyperparathyroidism: Overactive parathyroid glands release excess calcium.
- Cancer: Some cancers increase calcium release from bones.
- Excess Vitamin D: Over-supplementation can raise calcium levels.
- Medications: Thiazide diuretics or steroids may elevate calcium.
- Other factors: Immobilisation or excessive calcium intake.
Symptoms can range from fatigue and nausea to kidney stones and irregular heartbeats. Management includes intravenous fluids, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, or targeted treatment under a qualified hypercalcemia doctor.
Hypocalcemia
Low calcium levels can occur due to:
- Hypoparathyroidism: Insufficient parathyroid hormone.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Poor dietary intake or sun exposure.
- Magnesium Deficiency and Malabsorption: Impaired calcium absorption.
- Surgery or Chronic Conditions: Kidney disease or parathyroid removal.
Symptoms may include tingling, muscle spasms, and cardiac irregularities. Management involves calcium and vitamin D supplementation, addressing the root cause, when indicated. Early intervention by an osteoporosis doctor in Singapore is crucial to prevent complications.
The Role of Vitamin D in Bone and Calcium Health
Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption and bone strength. Deficiency is common in Singapore due to limited sun exposure, dietary gaps, or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms may include fatigue, bone pain, and frequent fractures. Vitamin D deficiency treatment often involves tailored supplementation and lifestyle adjustments to ensure adequate levels. At LW Cho Endocrine Clinic, our specialists assess each patient’s vitamin D status and provide personalised vitamin D deficiency treatment for lasting bone health.
How We Diagnose Osteoporosis and Calcium Disorders
Diagnosis involves a combination of history, physical assessment, lab tests, and imaging:
- Bone Density Testing (DXA Scan): Measures bone mineral density, focusing on the hip and spine.
- Blood Tests: Check calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and other markers.
- Ionised Calcium Tests: Evaluate biologically active calcium levels.
- Fracture Risk Assessment: Tools such as FRAX® estimate long-term fracture risk.
- Specialist Consultation: Our endocrinologists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plans.
Lifestyle Choices for Strong Bones
- Calcium-rich Diet: Include dairy, leafy greens, almonds, sardines, and fortified foods.
- Vitamin D Sources: Sunlight exposure and vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish and eggs.
- Weight-bearing Exercises: Walking, jogging, dancing, or weightlifting strengthens bones.
- Muscle-strengthening Activities: Resistance training improves bone and muscle health.
- Fall Prevention: Ensure home safety, wear supportive shoes, and improve lighting.
- Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol: Both weaken bones and increase fracture risk.
- Regular Health Check-ups: Monitoring ensures early detection and intervention.
Our Services
Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment
We evaluate your bone density, calcium levels, and vitamin D status through detailed tests.
Step 2: Personalised Treatment Plan
Each patient receives tailored treatment for osteoporosis, calcium disorders, or vitamin D deficiency in Singapore.
Step 3: Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Continuous follow-up ensures effective management, improved bone health, and reduced fracture risk.
Why Choose Us
Expert Specialists
Our hypercalcemia doctor and osteoporosis doctor in Singapore have extensive experience in managing complex bone and calcium disorders.
Evidence-based Care
We use the latest diagnostic tools and research-backed treatment approaches to optimise bone health.
Patient-first Approach
We focus on understanding your unique needs, empowering you with knowledge, and guiding you through every step of care for calcium disorders and related conditions.
Available Treatments for Osteoporosis and Calcium Disorders
- Lifestyle Modifications: Nutrient-rich diet, weight-bearing exercises, fall prevention, and smoking/alcohol reduction.
- Supplements: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation to support bone density.
- Medications: Bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide and romosuzumab are all available medications for treatment of osteoporosis.
- Medical Management: For hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia, treatment focuses on underlying causes and medication as needed.
- Surgical Interventions: In severe osteoporosis causing vertebral fracture and pain, procedures such as vertebroplasty may be recommended.
Early diagnosis and proper management by an experienced specialist ensure your bones remain strong and your calcium levels balanced.
Your bone and mineral health are central to living fully and actively. LW Cho Endocrine Clinic provides comprehensive care for calcium disorders, osteoporosis, and vitamin D deficiency in Singapore, offering personalised treatment under expert guidance.
