Safe Osteoporosis Treatment

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone density, causing thinning bones that can easily break. It is much more common among women than men and the risk of developing osteoporosis increases after menopause. A number of treatments have been developed to help stop (and even reverse) bone loss; however, serious side effects are possible with many therapies.

Diet & Supplements

• Diet and supplement changes cannot reverse bone loss, but they can build healthy new bone and keep additional loss from occurring. A diet should be nutritionally balanced and high in calcium (milk, yogurt, fortified cereals and juices) to treat osteoporosis. Calcium supplements, especially those with vitamin D, which helps the body absorption calcium, are used in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Exercise

• Exercise is very important in the treatment of osteoporosis. Weight -bearing exercise is a preferred form in treating and preventing osteoporosis. In addition to lifting weights, movements that use the body's weight--like yoga--also strengthen the bones, lessening the deterioration brought on by osteoporosis.

Lifestyle Changes

• Smoking increases the risk of osteoporosis and hinders its treatment. Excessive alcohol can also have a negative effect on bone density. Keeping a healthy weight is also important in fighting the disease. Those with eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa, are more likely to have osteoporosis.

Hormones

• Estrogen therapy has proven to be highly effective as an osteoporosis treatment, though it was shown in a Women's Health Initiative study to be linked to an increased risk of heart attack, breast cancer and stroke. It may be a safe alternative to treat osteoporosis in women with a low risk for these problems. There is also Evista, a hormone-like treatment that has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer along with building bone. Evista can increase the risk of blood clots, but it has not been linked to heart disease as estrogen has.

Bisphosphonates

• The most commonly used medications for treatment of osteoporosis are bisphosphates. Fosamax, Reclast Actonel and Boniva are considered to be relatively safe. Stomach problems have been reported, but are usually controlled by taking them with a large glass of water remaining and upright for up to an hour after taking the medications. Boniva and Reclast are also available as injections, which could increase the ability of the drug to work while decreasing gastrointestinal side effects. While bisphosphonates have been linked to a deterioration of jaw bone, it is a rare side effect.