Osteoporosis Treatments

Osteoporosis is a preventable disease according to most experts. In fact experts believe if one takes care of their bones from a young age, they can avoid getting osteoporosis altogether.
By making a few simple lifestyle changes like exercising and eating right, one can prevent the onset of this disease.
However, if you do get osteoporosis, there are many treatments and medications available.

 

The following are treatments for osteoporosis currently available;

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Bisphosphonates
• Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
• Vitamin D derivatives and calcium supplements &
• Potential therapies that include Tibolone (Livial) & Parathyroid Hormone

Hormone Replacement Therapy is an effective way to deal with osteoporosis in women and at the same time relieves menopausal symptoms like, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. When taken at the initial stages of menopause, HRT prevents bone loss and increases bone density over the period of time it is taken.
According to research, HRT reduces the risk of spinal fractures by 40%. However, once this therapy is stopped, bone loss resumes. HRT needs to be taken only after a proper evaluation by a doctor as it increases the risk stroke, heart disease and breast cancer. Sometimes testosterone treatments are given to men due to the lack of male sex hormones, but these cases are rare.
Bisphosphonates are non-hormonal drugs used in the prevention of bone loss. They help by stopping the break down of bones. These drugs are taken on a daily or weekly basis, but can only be used to treat proven cases of osteoporosis with fractures.
The most common bisphosphonates include; Fosamax, Actonel and Didrocal. However, side effects from this treatment include stomach upsets.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) are drugs that have similar effects on the bone as estrogen-HRT. They also help to maintain bone density and reduce the risks of fractures.
These drugs work by blocking certain estrogen receptors in the body. This medication’s side effects include a slight increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis and hot flushes.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are very important and beneficial for older people as they help reduce the risk of hip fractures. It is especially important that young women get plenty of calcium in their diet.
A 1000mgs of calcium is the recommended daily intake by experts; this is equal to a liter of milk. Sitting in the sun for even just 15 minutes a day can boost vitamin D production and build healthy bones. Consult your doctor about how much calcium and Vitamin D supplements you need.

Potential Therapies

Potential therapies being used to treat osteoporosis include Tibolone (Livial) & Parathyroid Hormones.
In Tibolone studies underway, tests are being conducted to see if it has the same effects as HRT and if it can prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
While in parathyroid therapy, Calcitonin is being used to increase bone formation and the absorption of calcium.
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that slows the breaking down of bone cells. It is administered via injection and has recently become available for use in Australia.