Evidence based.
Medically proven.
Questions and answers about osteoporosis and the screening test
Mrs Gabriele Lorentz is a GP in Kiel and uses the osteoporosis screening test in her practice. She has compiled a list of frequently asked questions from her patients and answered them.
Why is early detection of osteoporosis so important?
Mrs Lorentz: "Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass. The disease mostly affects women, even in middle age. In the UK 4.7 million people are estimated to suffer with Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis often goes unnoticed, which is why early detection is so important. That's why I recommend the osteolabs early test to all at-risk patients."
Why do bones become fragile?
Mrs Lorentz: "The body is constantly building up and breaking down bone mass. The female sex hormones, the oestrogens, ensure a balance between the cells that break down bone mass, the osteoclasts, and the cells that build up bone mass, the osteoblasts. With the onset of the menopause, the oestrogens are missing and more bone mass is broken down than built up. If additional stresses are added, osteoporosis can occur."
Can the loss of bone mass be stopped?
Mrs Lorentz: "The loss of bone mass is irreversible. The earlier prevention and therapies begin, the better the process can be slowed down. X-rays can only detect the degradation when it has already begun and reached a certain level. OsteoTest | home provides much earlier indications of osteoporosis."
Are procedures with X-rays necessary?
Mrs Lorentz: "In most cases, the urine test can replace an examination with X-rays for early detection. To be on the safe side, you should discuss this question with your physician."
Why doesn't my physician know about this test yet?
Mrs Lorentz: "63,643 notifications for medical devices, for example, were available to the German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information in September 2017 (IKK figures). It is often difficult for physician to keep track of this and to know every new procedure immediately."
Why is the test so expensive?
Mrs Lorentz: "The urine sample is analysed in a complex procedure with highly specialised equipment and software. For your safety, the analysis is carried out according to the highest quality standards."
I already have osteoporosis. Is the test also worthwhile for me?
Mrs Lorentz: "Yes, definitely. Only further tests show the effectiveness of a therapy, for example. Therapy successes are immediately visible. If they fail to materialise, an unnecessary or ineffective therapy can be quickly discontinued and replaced by a better measure."
Why is vitamin D important for osteoporosis?
Mrs Lorentz: "Bones need calcium. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption from food and is therefore important for bone formation."
