Metabolic Bone Program

The Metabolic Bone Program is focused on evaluating a variety of conditions affecting bone health, including Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, vitamin D deficiency, Paget Disease, Hyperthyroidism, and calcium and parathyroid disorders. Our endocrinologists and advanced care practitioners work on a team-based approach to evaluate factors affecting bone health and to advise on options to prevent a decrease in bone density and reduced fracture risk. 

Our specialists carefully review clinical risks for bone loss, review and/or order radiologic studies to further evaluate for fracture/risk of fracture (spinal X-rays, DXA scans), educate patients on exercise, dietary supplements, and changes to diet and lifestyle to help minimize untoward effects on bone. We discuss treatment options to enhance bone health and reduce the risk of fracture. Also, since 2021, we have fully embraced the concept of using a drug class called “osteoanabolics”  before “antiresorptive”  medications, an evidence-based concept that offers patients the most efficient and effective option for increasing bone density, strength and reducing risks for fractures. 

In patients with Hypercalcemia due to primary Hyperparathyroidism, our endocrinologists specializing in thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound are in a unique position to be able to localize the culprit parathyroid adenoma and positively correlate this with nuclear medicine parathyroid scans. This helps to reduce the radiation exposure related to neck 4D-CT scans and also identifies any thyroid nodules that may require biopsy prior to parathyroid surgery.  

We actively collaborate with our colleagues in Primary Care, Rheumatology, Radiology, and Parathyroid Surgery. Our endocrinologists share updates on Osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment with our primary care community and also promote bone health directly to the community by participating in health fairs.