Soldotna Osteoporosis Doctor, Robert Ledda M.D., treats Kenai Peninsula men and women with a comprehensive and personalized bioidentical hormone treatment plan to manage Osteoporosis.

As you progress through life, your bones undergo a continual cycle of regeneration. While you are young, your body produces new bone faster than it breaks down old bone–resulting in increased bone mass. However, as you age, more bone is lost than created. Osteoporosis develops when more bone is broken down than regenerated. This causes bone to become weak and brittle–so brittle that basic tasks such as bending over or coughing can result in devastating fractures. Common osteoporosis-related fractures occur in the hip, wrist, and spine.

Hormonal imbalances increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis as you age. Decreasing levels of estrogen and testosterone, an under- or over-active thyroid, and imbalanced adrenal glands accelerate bone loss. Bone loss is inevitable as we age, however, anti-aging and hormonal expert Robert Ledda, M.D. believes integrative medicine can combat symptoms of aging and allow you to remain at your best!

Call Soldotna Osteoporosis Expert Dr. Ledda at (907) 313-6816 to schedule a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy consultation today and find relief from your Osteoporosis!

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

In its initial stages, osteoporosis is often asymptomatic. Yet, when the condition has advanced and bone density has been significantly diminished, you might notice these symptoms:

Due to the nature of osteoporosis, spinal fractures can happen without experiencing trauma due to the fragile state of the weakened vertebrae. Because of this, the vertebrae can weaken to the point of collapse–causing a person to lose height. For height loss to be contributed to osteoporosis, a person must become shorter by an inch or more.

For those with osteoporosis, there is an increased risk of weakening muscles along with weakening bones. As the bone and muscle weakens, changes in posture become increasingly noticeable. Posture changes like stooped posture, developing a hump in the back, and rolled shoulders are common and should be addressed.

Due to the weakening and compression of the vertebrae, back pain is prevalent for those who experience osteoporosis.

Vertebral fractures are the most common type of osteoporosis-related fractures. Due to the fragility of the weakened vertebrae, it takes minimal pressure to cause a fracture. Whether it occurs from a fall or innocent everyday movements like bending or twisting–these fractures don’t discriminate. Due to hormonal imbalances, people with osteoporosis that experience a fracture can have an extremely difficult time recovering.

Wrist fractures are a common type of osteoporosis-related fractures. These fractures significantly impact the mobility of the hand and impact everyday tasks. A wrist fracture comes with pain and swelling. Additionally, a wrist fracture may cause you to hear cracking or grinding within the wrist.

Hip fractures are a significant injury that cause severe pain and extremely limit a person’s mobility. Typically, these fractures occur due to a fall. These fractures can lead to disability and death within the first year of the injury.

Diagnosing Osteoporosis

Due to the lack of symptoms that come with osteoporosis, many people are not diagnosed until they experience a fall which results in broken bones. It is recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force that women over the age of 65, women under the age of 65 with increased risk factors, and men over the age of 70 get tested for osteoporosis. To screen for osteoporosis–in addition to physical exams and ultrasounds–the following bone density test may be done:

  • Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Scan – utilizing small doses of radiation to detect bone deterioration within the spine, hip, and wrists, DXA scans can detect osteoporosis in its early stages. Giving you the opportunity to implement an early treatment plan to preserve your bones integrity!

Don’t wait for an accident to happen to see if you have osteoporosis! Call Dr. Ledda at (907) 313-6816 to discuss getting screened today!

Osteoporosis and Hormones

Hormones play an integral role in the formation and fortification of our bones. Three of the most influential hormones in bone health are estrogen, parathyroid hormone, and testosterone. However, estrogen has the most influence on bone health, structure, and density. This is why osteoporosis is more commonly seen in women–especially around menopausal age.

Estrogen is extremely influential due to the fact it stimulates osteoblasts–which are the cells that grow bone. It also inhibits osteoclasts, which break down bone,  essentially keeping the bone rejuvenation process balanced and functioning properly. When these hormone levels are imbalanced, bone weakening occurs and osteoporosis develops.

If you have questions regarding bioidentical hormones and how it can help osteoporosis, call Hormonal Expert Robert Ledda, M.D. at (907) 313-6816 to schedule a consultation!

Find Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About BHRT

Beginning a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) protocol typically comes with several questions. We’ve gathered some of the most common questions related to starting BHRT and answered them here below. If you have any further questions or need any clarification, please contact Dr. Ledda at (907) 313-6816.

How Is BHRT Different From Regular HRT?

The main difference between bioidentical HRT and other forms of HRT is the kind of hormones that are used. In regular HRT, the synthetic hormones used contain additional chemical components that allow the drug manufacturers to patent their chemicals. At best, these added components do nothing for you. At worst, your body may recognize them as foreign chemicals and they may cause unpleasant side effects.

In BHRT, the hormones used are bioidentical, which means that they are the exact chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced in your body. This means there is no risk of your body not accepting them. Plus, they are derived from natural plant sources such as yams and soy.

Can I Buy Bioidentical Hormones Online?

While you may find websites claiming to sell bioidentical hormones, there are many risks involved in purchasing hormones online. First, it is often difficult to trace the origin of these products, meaning they may not be regulated for accuracy. This leads into the second problem, which is that it is very hard to be sure of the ingredients of these products. You may not be getting hormones at all!

Even if you find legitimate bioidentical hormones online, without seeing a doctor you can’t know for certain which hormones you need, what dose you need them in and what form of BHRT will work best for you. Here at Dr. Ledda, you will receive proper care and treatment while experiencing minimal side effects.

What Form Does BHRT Come In?

Bioidentical hormones are prepared by a compounding pharmacy where they are produced into several forms including: pills, patches, subdermal pellets, creams, injections and more. Everyone responds to these various forms differently, and your BHRT doctor can help find the form that will most benefit you and your body.

What Is The Cost Of BHRT?

The cost of BHRT varies by the hormones needed, the doses needed, the form of BHRT, and the length of time that you receive treatment. For a more accurate quote, please call Dr. Ledda at (907) 313-6816 to schedule a consultation.

Is BHRT Covered By My Insurance?

Because insurance plans and providers vary considerably, there is no way for us to provide a blanket statement. Your plan may cover BHRT under certain circumstances. The best course of action is to call Dr. Ledda at (907) 313-6816 to discuss whether we accept your current insurance plan and provider. After you call us, we recommend contacting your insurance provider as a follow-up to ensure that your treatment is covered or to discuss how your treatment may be covered.

Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?

When prescribed and supervised by a BHRT doctor, BHRT is generally safe. Any risks or side effects associated with your particular treatment will be reviewed thoroughly before you begin BHRT.

What Conditions Are Treated With BHRT?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is used to treat a number of conditions caused by hormone imbalance or that result in hormone imbalance. In some cases, BHRT is used to treat the underlying condition while in others it is used to treat the symptoms. You can find some common conditions that BHRT may be used to treat listed above.

What If My Question Is Not Listed Here?

Patients often have a great many questions before beginning BHRT. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have before, during and after treatment. Contact Dr. Ledda today with any further questions or to schedule your initial consultation.

Start Feeling Better With A Customized BHRT Plan Today!

Osteoperosis Pain Ledda Soldotna Anchorage Alaska

Restore Your Bone Health and Reclaim Your Life!

Robert Ledda, M.D. has years of experience treating Kenai Peninsula men and women experiencing osteoporosis and will help you find relief.

Call (907) 313-6816 to speak with Soldotna integrative medicine specialist, Robert Ledda, M.D. to schedule a consultation today! 

Integrative Anti-Aging Medicine doctor, Robert Ledda M.D. of Community Health and Wellness treats men and women with osteoporosis using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Kenai Peninsula and Anchor Point, Anchorage, Bear Creek, Beluga, Bird Creek, Chugiak, Clam Gulch, Cohoe, Cooper Landing, Crown Point, Diamond Ridge, Eagle River, Fox River, Fritz Creek, Funny River, Girdwood, Halibut Cove, Happy Valley, Hope, Homer, Indian, Kalifornsky, Kachemak, Kasilof, Kenai, Lakes, Lowell Point, Meadow Lakes, Moose Pass, Nanwalek, Nikiski, Nikolaevsk, Ninilchik, Palmer, Peters Creek, Point Possession, Port Graham, Primrose, Ridgeway, Salamatof, Seldovia, Seldovia Village, Seward, Soldotna, Sterling, Sunrise, Tanaina, Tyonek, and Wasilla Alaska.