Breaking News: What Women Need to Know about Osteoporosis with ValleyOrtho’s Dr. Susan Inscore

Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by a weakening of the bones, may be one of the most under-diagnosed diseases of women, according to Dr. Susan Inscore, osteoporosis physician at ValleyOrtho. Dr. Inscore has been working on osteoporosis cases for more than three decades. Beginning in April 2025, she will focus her career solely on caring for patients with bone health issues at her Bone Health and Osteoporosis Clinic at ValleyOrtho.

Bones are living tissues that are constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when bone breakdown and bone formation become imbalanced, leading to a decrease in bone density and bone strength. This can lead to an increase in the risk of fractures, even from simple bumps or falls.

Osteoporosis is a common disease, affecting men and women of all races. However, women who are past menopause are at highest risk. According to Dr. Inscore, women have a very steep drop in bone density during menopause, and she encourages all women to be screened for osteoporosis with a bone density scan by the age of 65. Women with certain risk factors should be screened earlier, by the age of 50. These risk factors include; a family history of osteoporosis, a personal history of a fracture, certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gastrointestinal diseases, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

“Often,” says Dr. Inscore, “women don’t believe they have it. They haven’t broken a bone or are not feeling bone loss. They think they’re just fine. But they still could have osteoporosis. What they are experiencing is a silent disease.”

Osteoporosis itself does not cause pain. Many people are unaware that they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. The only way to diagnose osteoporosis before breaking a bone is through a bone density scan. A bone density scan, or DXA scan, is a quick and painless test that is similar to an x-ray, but with very low radiation exposure. Despite the safety and ease of this test, many women at risk for osteoporosis do not obtain screening.

“The medical industry has been undertreating women for about 20 years,” she says. “The lack of attention to osteoporosis to me is amazing.”

According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis is responsible for an estimated two million broken bones every year, yet nearly 84 percent of older Americans who suffer broken bones are not tested or treated for osteoporosis.

Treatment for osteoporosis can include lifestyle interventions, hormone replacement therapy and treatment with medications. Medications for the treatment of osteoporosis are both safe and effective at improving bone density and decreasing fracture risk.

It is imperative that anyone with osteoporosis or who has suffered a fracture over the age of 50, take steps to lower their fracture risk. “Osteoporosis is a lifelong disease that’s not going to disappear,” says Dr. Inscore.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Inscore at ValleyOrtho’s Osteoporosis and Bone Health clinic, call 970.384.7140.