An integral part of the Pelvic examination during a well woman exam involves ultrasound imaging.

Obstetric, Pelvic, Breast and Thyroid

Obstetric ultrasound is performed to assess your baby’s heartbeat and anatomy. Measurements taken during this test can help determine the gestational age, size, and growth of your baby. A complete ultrasound is typically performed when your pregnancy is at least 18 weeks. This exam is a comprehensive look at your baby’s skeletal structure and organs.

Pelvic ultrasound is used to evaluate the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and bladder. It can be ordered following pelvic pain, abdominal bleeding, or menstrual concerns. It is used to help diagnose fibroids, cysts, and ovarian and uterine cancers.

Breast ultrasound is used to help diagnose breast abnormalities seen on mammography or felt during an examination. It is typically ordered following a mammogram or to assess a lump or focal pain.

Thyroid ultrasound is often performed for an enlarged thyroid, abnormal thyroid enzymes, or an abnormality seen on another imaging modality.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density. The decrease in bone mass leads to an increase in the risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating bone loss condition that affects one in three women after menopause.

Although osteoporosis typically affects women, men can also develop bone loss. For women, a baseline scan is usually recommended at age 50 or following menopause. Preceding scans are typically ordered every 2 years.

Even though osteoporosis affects different ages and ethnicity, there are a few factors that make people more susceptible to developing the bone disease.

Am I at Risk for Osteoporosis?

Your risk for osteoporosis is higher if you:

• Are post-menopausal woman who is not taking estrogen
• Are post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5’7″) or thin (less than 125 pounds)
• Have a personal or maternal risk of hip fractures
• Are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
• Use of medications known to cause bone loss, such as corticosteroids, Dilantin, or high dose thyroid replacement drugs
• Have type 1 diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or family history of osteoporosis
• Suffer from hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism
• Have had X-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other sign of osteoporosis
• Have experienced a fracture after a mild trauma

Osteoporosis Treatment Options

The main goal of treatment will be to prevent fractures and breaks. In addition to recommending a proper diet rich in calcium, the doctor may prescribe medication.

The following is not a list of all medication options, but simply the most commonly used:

• Bisphosphonates. This type of medication slows cell activity that is responsible for bone loss. Bisphosphonates are intended to maintain or even increase bone density.
• Parathyroid Hormone. This option is for postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fracture.
• Estrogen Agonists/Antagonists. Typically used to treat postmenopausal women, these medications are not estrogen, but they have estrogen-like effects on the body.
• Calcitonin. Meant for women who are at least five years into menopause, calcitonin helps to regulate calcium and bone metabolism.
• Osteoporosis is a condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A broken bone can result in hospitalization and even surgery.