Treatment for Osteoporosis

What are the treatments of osteoporosis? What are the osteoporosis treatments? Sorry to repeat ourselves, but this is the part most people click here for, and we want to make sure they get there.

The treatments for osteoporosis are both medical, and lifestyle. First, the medical, meaning in this case, drugs:

Bisphosphonates. This group of drugs inhibits bone loss, along the lines of estrogen. It can also preserve bone mass, and has been know to increase bone density in the spine and hip. Examples would be alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel) and zoledronic acid (Reclast).

These are not miracle drugs, they can have severe side effects:

• Nausea
• abdominal pain
• difficulty swallowing
• risk of an inflamed esophagus or esophageal ulcers.

None of which are pleasant, but neither is osteoporosis. Discuss the taking of any drugs with your doctor, of course, and keep them informed of any changes that may occur.

Raloxifene (Evista) This is part of a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which at least isn't all in Latin. This dugs mimics the bone density effects of estrogen for postmenopausal women, but without a lot of the risks, such as increasing the risk of uterine cancer and breast cancer. The side effects can include hot flashes, and you should use the drug if you have a history of blood clots. Not recommended for use in men, and currently at least, but studies are ongoing.

Calcitonin This is a hormone produced by your thyroid gland, is meant to reduce bone reabsorption and is believed to slow bone loss. It might also prevent spine fractures. It's usually given as a nasal spray, which might case some irritation in certain cases, but can also be given as an injection as well. Usually this is reserved for people who can't take the other drugs.

Teriparatide (Forteo) A powerful drug, which works by stimulation new bone growth instead of trying to prevent bone loss, as the other drugs do. Given by injection in the skin of the thigh or abdomen. This drug is still being studied, so it's long term effects are not yet known. Because of this, the drug is recommended for taking for only tow years or less.

Hormone Therapy

This usually involves taking estrogen to help maintain bone density. This therapy has risks, such as increasing the chances of blood clots, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and heart disease. Because of the problems, this is not usually the first choice for treatment.

Physical Therapy

The non-medical treatment. Working with a professional who can give you low-impact workouts and exercises to improve posture, strength and balance can be a big help to prevent falls and thus, breaks and fractures.