Treatment Options - Osteoporosis

Individual circumstances determine which treatmentwell as some forms of cancer.
approaches are most appropriate.Calcium and vitaminThe findings regarding were not as definitive as
D The body's ability to absorb dietary calciumexpected. Estrogen does slow the loss of bone.
diminishes with advancing age. As well, people tend toHowever, its effect is most pronounced during the
drink less milk and consume fewer dairy products,first three to five years after menopause and it does
the primary sources of dietary calcium, as they getnot stimulate production of new bone. Though
older. Most adults should take calcium supplements todoctors sometimes prescribe estrogen replacement
get 1000 to 1200 milligrams of calcium daily combined(in combination with Progesterone supplement for
with dietary calcium. Though calcium cannot restorewomen who have their uteruses) for women who
bone structure that is already lost to osteoporosis,are at high risk for developing osteoporosis, other
the bones need abundant calcium simply to maintainmedications are often more effective with fewer
bone remodeling. Vitamin D is necessary for the bodyrisks.
to absorb calcium.Estrogen Before the 1990s doctorsBisphosphonates Bisphosphonates are medications
routinely prescribed hormone replacement therapythat block the activity of osteoclasts to resorb bone
(HRT) for women going through and women beyondand calcium. Because these drugs are relatively new,
menopause. The prevailing belief was that HRTdoctors do not know their long-term consequences.
provided protection for women againstBisphosphonates can stop the progression of
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis.osteoporosis as well as prevent osteoporosis from
Extensive studies demonstrated that HRT provideddeveloping in men and women who have high risk.
no protection for heart disease and in fact increasedHowever, bone loss resumes when the person stops
the risk for some kinds of CVD (notably Stroke) astaking the medication.