Osteoporosis Treatment
For years the diagnosis of osteoporosis was overlooked because there weren't
many treatment options for women who couldn't take estrogen. Estrogen replacement
therapy remains the most effective medicine for osteoporosis prevention and
treatment, although it is no longer recommended for this purpose unless women
ALSO have menopausal symptoms.
According to Harriet Shapiro, of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, "There
are good treatments available today that can both prevent and treat osteoporosis.
That means that they will slow the rate of bone loss and reduce a woman's fracture
risk. We are fortunate to have five drugs." These medicines include estrogen,
raloxifene, alendronate, risendronate and calcitonin nasal spray.
Adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake is essential to maintain bone mass, but
they are NOT alternatives to osteoporosis treatment. They are an integral part
of most treatment plans, as is weight-bearing exercise and risk factor reduction.
Click here for related information.
Created: 5/21/2001  - Donnica Moore, M.D.