A Wide Choice Of Osteoporosis Treatments

There are several ways to treat osteoporosis, a condition that makes an individual lose normal bone density. Osteoporosis can lead to abnormal, porous and dense bones that are prone to breaking. One of the more popular osteoporosis treatments is Biphosphonates (like Fosamax). This medication allows an individual to maintain the necessary level of calcium needed by the body to prevent bone breakdown. Biphosphonates can inhibit osteoclasts which are the cells in the body that hasten the breaking down of bones.

Another treatment for this disease is a new medicine which was made to function in a manner similar to estrogen. It is known as Raloxifene or the kind of treatment called a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator. It has been proven to increase bone mass and lower the level of bad cholesterol in the body. Users should however be cautioned that while it has been found effective in reducing osteoporosis among menopausal women, it can have adverse effects on women who are at high risk for breast cancer.

Injected calcitonin is another menopause treatment option. This hormone, commercially known as Miacalcin, is recommended for patients suffering from osteoporosis as it prevents osteoclasts from destroying the bones. It is also believed to lessen the pain caused by the osteoporosis fractures. It may be taken through a nasal spray, the common option for most users.

As we already mentioned, commercial drug manufacturers have also made available Fosamax or Alendronate. This kind of treatment is found to be effective for speeding up bone formation and preventing bone breakdown in the body. As you continue your Fosamax treatment, you get stronger bones and a greater chance to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. There is proof that the use of corticosteroids (which is being used by asthma sufferers) can increase the risk of getting osteoporosis. The good news is that this drug is compatible with corticosteroids so you can take it to reduce the chances of developing brittle bones while on asthma medication.

One may also opt to use Teriparatide or Forsteo, a treatment that is best for postmenstrual women. It is usually injected through an injection pen, done everyday and is proven to speed up the formation of bone. Experts however do not recommend the taking of Teriparatide for more than 18 months due to safety issues.

Recent studies done in Japan discovered the effectiveness of vitamin K2 to increase bone mineral density. Sourced out from a Japanese food called Natto, vitamin K2 is greatly in demand but lacking in supply in most countries. Only very few people are able to take K2 (because of its high cost) resulting from the fact that the source is limited to Japan. However, there are now a number of health formulas that contain vitamin K2 that are being offered in the market.

Besides medication, another accepted treatment for osteoporosis is the intake of nutrition supplements particularly calcium. Intake of this mineral is a necessity and the intake should reach at least 1200 to 1500 milligrams per day. An individual would have to be able to drink an equivalent of five glasses of milk every day to actually achieve this requirement. Its more practical for most people to take an oral calcium supplement. An individual prone to osteoporosis must stay away from beverages with high caffeine like coffee and soda as caffeine can cause bone breakdown.

Along with nutrition and medication, osteoporosis can also be treated through weight-bearing exercises. A person should commit to a regular exercise regimen if he wants to prevent bone breakdown. Studies have proven that exercise can result to an increase in bone mass thereby preventing the onset of osteoporosis. Light aerobic exercises like jogging and walking are recommended activities to strengthen bones.

Menopause Treatment