According to experts, osteoporosis is a preventable illness. Scientists believe that if we take care of our bones from a young age, we are likely to avoid developing osteoporosis.
We can prevent the onset of this disease if we make a few simple changes in our lifestyle like exercising and eating healthy food. However, if we still get osteoporosis, there are lots of treatments and drugs available.
Here are the 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 a very effective way to treat osteoporosis in women. At the same time it relieves menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. HRT prevents bone loss and increases bone density over the period of time it is taken, if it is taken at the initial stages of menopause.
According to scientists, HRT decreases the risk of spinal fractures by up to 40%. But when this therapy is given up, bone loss resumes. You can take HRT only after an appropriate assessment by a physician, as it increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and breast cancer. Sometimes men are provided with testosterone therapies due to the lack of male sex hormones, but these cases are rare.
Bisphosphonates are non-hormonal medications used to prevent bone loss. They help by stopping the break down of bones. These medications 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 are; Fosamax, Actonel and Didrocal. However, this treatment can lead to side effects such as stomach upsets.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) are medications that bring similar effects on the bone as estrogen-HRT. They also help to sustain bone density and decrease the risks of fractures. These medications block certain estrogen receptors in the body. The side effects that may occur are: a slight increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis and hot flushes.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are very relevant and advantageous for elderly people because they decrease the risk of hip fractures. That is why young women should get plenty of calcium in their diet.
According to experts, a 1000mgs of calcium is the recommended daily dose; this is equal to a liter of milk. Sitting in the sun for only 15 minutes daily can enhance the production of vitamin D and build healthy bones. Talk to your healthcare provider about how much calcium and Vitamin D supplements your organism requires.
POTENTIAL THERAPIES
Potential therapies used for the treatment of osteoporosis include: Tibolone (Livial) & Parathyroid Hormones.
In Tibolone studies, researchers conduct tests to find out whether it has the same effects as HRT and whether 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. Lately it has become available for use in Australia.
