What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle due to a decrease in the density of the bone mineral. This can lead to a greater risk of fracture, particularly in the spine, hip, and wrist. It’s estimated that about 200 million people worldwide are affected by osteoporosis, with 80 percent of those being women. It is important to know the signs, symptoms, and treatments of the condition in order to seek help and prevent further damage.
What are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?
The most common symptom of osteoporosis is a gradual loss of height due to the collapse of the bones in the spine. Other symptoms include back pain; a curved spine; fragile bones that break more easily than normal; bone pain; and a stooped posture. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all until an accident or fall leads to a broken bone.
What are the Risk Factors for Osteoporosis?
Some of the most common risk factors for developing osteoporosis include aging, family history, being female, having a low body weight, smoking, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Additionally, certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or an overactive thyroid, may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.
How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed by a doctor based on a physical examination, a review of symptoms, and a review of medical history. Additionally, a bone density scan may be performed to assess the density of the bones. This scan is used to measure the amount of mineral in the bones, which can be used to diagnose osteoporosis.
What Medication Can You Take for Osteoporosis?
There are a number of different medications that can be taken to help treat and prevent osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate and risedronate, are often prescribed to help slow down the loss of bone density. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are also recommended to help strengthen bones and increase bone density. Additionally, a number of other medications, such as hormone therapy, calcitonin, and teriparatide, may be prescribed to help reduce the risk of fractures.
Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are medications that help slow down the process of bone loss. These medications work by stopping the activity of cells that break down the bones. They are usually taken as a pill once a week or as an injection every three months. Examples of bisphosphonates include alendronate, risedronate, and zoledronic acid.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements
Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended to help improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. It is recommended to take 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 600 to 800 international units of vitamin D daily.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is a type of medication that is used to help increase bone density in people with osteoporosis. This type of medication is usually used in women who are going through menopause and have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. The most common medication used for hormone therapy is estrogen.
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a hormone that helps regulate the amount of calcium in the bones. This type of medication is usually used to help reduce the risk of fractures. It is usually taken as a nasal spray or injection. Examples of calcitonin medications include salmon calcitonin and synthetic calcitonin.
Teriparatide
Teriparatide is a type of medication that helps to increase bone formation and decrease bone breakdown. This type of medication is usually used in people who have a high risk of fractures and who have not had success with other medications. Teriparatide is usually taken as a daily injection.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle due to a decrease in the density of the bone mineral. There are a number of medications that can be used to help treat and prevent osteoporosis, including bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D supplements, hormone therapy, calcitonin, and teriparatide. It is important to speak with a doctor about the best treatment plan for you.