Osteoporosis Treatment Possibilities

By Dawn M. Olsen

Osteoporosis is common, but it's not normal. The condition tends to strike women much more frequently than men. In women, the symptoms of osteoporosis tend to become very prevalent around the time of menopause. Characterized by its ability to make bone porous and brittle, those who suffer from this condition generally need to seek out osteoporosis treatment or face the potential for broken bones.

In cases where osteoporosis goes undiagnosed and untreated, the condition can progress to the point where bones break almost spontaneously. Patients with advanced cases can find their bones are subject to breaking with even the most minor of bumps or falls or even without any apparent cause at all.

With the potential risks, it's clear to many that osteoporosis treatment is very important to seek out. The disease itself is caused by an acceleration of the normal aging process. As one ages, the bones tend to lose calcium. When factors such as hormonal loss during menopause come into play, those with a propensity to develop osteoporosis likely will. Other risk factors include immobility, excessive drinking and smoking, low body mass index, low calcium and vitamin D levels and even some other diseases such a kidney disease and some forms of arthritis.

Although it is possible to reduce the chances for developing this condition, not everyone is effective in doing so. In these cases, osteoporosis treatment is typically advised to slow the progression and lessen the chances for breaks and fractures. It is possible to ward off some of the more serious side effects and even to build stronger, healthier bones.

Some of the most common forms of osteoporosis treatment include:

· Strontium ranelate: This medication is known to help stimulate the formation of new bone. It is an effective osteoporosis treatment for many.

· Bisphosphonates: Unlike Strontium, which helps build new bone matter, this non-hormonal drug helps block the breaking down of bone. There are several different forms of this type of medication available.

· Selective oestrogen-receptor modulator (SERM): This is a synthetic hormone replacement therapy that attempts to mimic the effects of oestrogen on the bones themselves. This form of hormone replacement therapy does not tend to carry the risks of others, but it is considered only effective in treating spinal conditions.

· Calcium, vitamins: Increased doses of calcium and vitamin D can help prevent bone loss. Whether this comes in food form or as supplements, this is considered important for osteoporosis treatment and especially prevention.

· Calcitonin: This is another form of hormone replacement therapy that works to block or stop cells that can break down the bones. It is very typically prescribed in nasal spray form.

· Exercise: This osteoporosis treatment is also effective for prevention. Exercise helps build bone mass, which in turn can assist in staving off this condition's most devastating of effects. Low-impact exercises are often considered the most effective forms of exercise for osteoporosis treatment. Running, aerobics, weight training and more are all considered ideal.

· Full hormone replacement therapy: This form of therapy seeks to restore a woman's hormone balance to pre-menopausal levels. It is effective for treating a variety of other symptoms of menopause, but is not typically prescribed solely for osteoporosis treatment any longer. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, has been linked with stroke, cancer, blood clots and more. With this in mind, HRT is typically only prescribed on an as-needed basis and not generally for extended periods of time.

The best form of osteoporosis treatment happens on the front end through prevention. Just about anyone can be subject to developing this disease. Proper diet, exercise and supplements can help prevent it and they can also help very much in treating it if the condition does arise.