An Overview: Most Effective Osteoporosis Treatments

Osteoporosis is incurable, but there are many treatment and methods to manage and alleviate its symptoms.

Using the bone density test, doctors determine the treatment method depending on your risk of bone damage and deterioration over the following ten years. If you are not a high risk of bone deterioration and loss, your treatment will likely not involve medications but be centered on eliminating risk factors.

Medications

Bisphosphonates are the most common osteoporosis drugs. Some of these include risedronate, acid, alendronate, and ibandronate, and they all work to slow down bone loss. These medicines may cause stomach pains, heartburn, and nausea.

Side effects include nausea, abdominal pain and heartburn-like symptoms. Bisphosphonates injections do not have the same side effects but may cause fever, muscle pain, and headaches for a few days.

Alternatives Medications: is similar to bisphosphonates and lowers the chance of all kinds of damage and breaks. is taken via an injection every six months.

Teriparatide, on the other hand, mimics bone growth and is also taken as an injection daily.  Upon two years, an additional osteoporosis medication is taken in combination with teriparatide to preserve the condition of the new bones.

Diet

Your diet is crucial where managing osteoporosis is concerned and should be rich in Vitamin D and Calcium. Adults need 1000-1200 mg of calcium and 600 IU of Vitamin D per day. So, it is important to take in the rays moderately and load up on low-fat dairy products, cruciferous vegetables, orange juice with Vitamin D and no added sugar, and salmon. You can also get supplements, but it is always ideal to get your vitamins and nutrients directly from food.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy that is used for menopause, which is often estrogen or a combination of progestin and estrogen, can also help preserve bone density and prevent fractures. However, estrogen may cause blood clots and increase the chances of heart disease and breast cancer, so this treatment is often only preferred for women who are also menopausal.

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Posted on May 5, 2023