Osteoporosis: Which Treatments Options are Available?

Osteoporosis is a risk that all women face as they grow older. The bones become more fragile and this could result in painful fractures. The good news is that there are things you can start doing right now to lower your risk, such as regular exercise and adequate nutrition. If these are not enough, then there are other options that all women should be aware of.

Medications

Medications known as bisphosphonates are most often used to help in the treatment of osteoporosis. These work by slowing down the process of bones breaking down. When you are younger, your bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding, but as you get older, the breakdown process is a lot faster than the rebuilding process. This leads to bones getting weaker and deteriorating because the breakdown is not replaced. This kind of medication essentially slows down the breakdown process so that rebuilding can keep up to keep bones strong.

Heartburn and stomach upset are common with these medications. It helps to drink a full glass of water, take on an empty stomach and not lie down for an hour after taking the medication. Following these tips can completely eliminate these site effects.

These medications can be taken up to five years safely. Women can take holidays from the medication after five years and still have the positive effects because the medication has a build-up effect.

Hormone Therapy

Many women avoid hormone therapy due to the increased risk of breast cancer, but this can still be very effective for osteoporosis. This is generally done after menopause when you are no longer producing estrogen. Lack of estrogen can lead to osteoporosis. While this is not used nearly as often as bisphosphonates, regular exercise and dietary changes, it is still an option and it is still FDA-approved for osteoporosis. Your doctor will review your health and medical history to determine if this is a good option for you. It is important to know that stroke, breast cancer, heart disease and blood clots are all risks with this type of therapy.

Calcium

You know that calcium is a mineral that is critical for optimum bone health. Getting more calcium in your daily diet is going to be the first goal because if you get enough, you could actually avoid this disease later in life. Now, if you already have it, more dietary calcium can only help you. Of course, you want plenty of vitamin D too because this vitamin is necessary for proper calcium absorption.

If you do not get enough calcium through food then your doctor may recommend calcium supplements. These can help to replace any calcium that you are deficient in. The same goes for vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon, but it can be easily corrected with a well-balanced diet and supplements. Your doctor will determine which supplement is best for you and if you need a prescription-strength one or not. The same goes for calcium because some women will need more than others, such as a prescription-strength supplement.