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. |
