How to Effectively Treat Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that makes the bones brittle and easily broken. A number of factors can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, including gender, age, race, exposure to estrogen, smoking, alcoholism, eating disorders, steroid medications, excess soda consumption, and a lifelong lack of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other minerals. Osteoporosis can cause back pain, sometimes severe; gradual loss of height; fractures of the vertebrae; and breakage of the wrist, hip, or other bones. Early detection is important in the treatment of osteoporosis, and a number of treatment options are available.

Things You'll Need

• Bone density scan
• Diagnosis
• Medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about hormone therapy. Hormone therapy was once the standard way of treating osteoporosis. Concerns about the safety of taking hormones long-term, however, and the development of new osteoporosis drugs have made hormone therapy less-frequently prescribed. The FDA has recommended that patients take the lowest dose possible over the least amount of time. Your physician will be able to tell you if hormone therapy is a good choice for you.

• 2

  Consider raloxifene, an estrogen agonists/antagonists medication This type of medication is also called Selective Estrogen Receptors Modulators (SERMs) and works by building bone density and reducing the risk of spinal fractures. There is no data about other fractures, however. Side effects include hot flashes, blood clots and flu-like symptoms. It is available in pill form, and should not be taken by those women at risk for strokes.

• 3

  Try the new bisphosphonates. Fosamax, Boniva and Actonil are in a category of drugs called bisphosphonates that slow bone resorption in the body, allowing a build up of bone cells that thus prevent osteoporosis. They are given in oral form. These may have side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, flu-like symptoms and problems with the bone of the jaw. Your doctor will tell you if you are a good candidate to take bisphosphonate medication.

• 4

  Ask your doctor about calcitonin. Calcitonin is a naturally occurring hormone that aids calcium regulation and bone metabolism. It has been approved for use against osteoporosis. It is available in injectable form or nasal spray form. Side effects can include flushing of face and hands, nausea, skin rash and urinary frequency. Nasal spray can produce headaches and nosebleeds.

• 5

  Discuss the advantages of parathyroid hormone for osteoporosis with your physician. A type of parathyroid hormone called teriparatide is approved for use in the treatment of osteoporosis because it builds bone and increases bone mineral density, especially in the spine. It is administered with an injection given by the patient on a daily basis. It can only be given for two years. Side effects include dizziness and leg cramps.