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 gold standard for osteoporosis prevention and treatment,
although it's not for everyone. Studied for more than 50 years, estrogen has
been shown to reduce the risk of hip, spine and forearm fractures by 50 to 75%!
According 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 5 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.
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Created: 10/27/2000  - Donnica Moore, M.D.