Osteoporosis is condition in which bone mass deteriorates, making the bones less sturdy. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) states that more than half of Americans in the "50 plus" age bracket are at risk for developing this bone disease, and that 10 million people in the United States suffer from some form of osteoporosis, or low bone density. Osteoporosis is a preventable disease. You can reduce your risk by consuming their recommended daily values of vitamin D and calcium, through daily exercise and by not smoking or drinking alcohol. Treatments for osteoporosis include several different types of medications, and in some severe cases, surgery.
Antiresorptive Drugs
Antiresorptive drugs such as alendronate and risendronate are prescribed to treat osteoporosis because they can help prevent or slow down the breakdown process within the bones (called resorption). Bone naturally rebuilds itself in most people. Osteoporosis occurs when the bone is "removed" from the body (another term used for the breakdown process) faster than it can rebuild itself. Antiresorptive medications both decrease the rate of removal and also prevent fracturing of the weak bones. Drugs of this class are taken on either a daily basis or once every two to three months, depending on the specific medication prescribed and the severity of bone loss.
Anabolic Medications
An anabolic medication called teriparatide is approved by the FDA for short-term use in women who are diagnosed with osteoporosis in their post-menopausal years. Teriparatide is a hormone that is associated with calcium metabolism, and can help new bone to grow. Women who take teriparatide are less likely to develop spinal fractures. Anabolic medications should only be used for up to two years. Health risks and benefits of teriparatide in the long term have not been adequately studied yet.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy in the form of estrogen supplements can both treat and prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Estrogen products may be able to decrease the rate of bone loss and help prevent the fractures that are likely to happen in women with osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy is not the right choice for every woman, depending on her medical history, and is usually used after other medications are prescribed.
Khyphoplasty
The surgical repair of bones that are damaged by osteoporosis is a more aggressive form of treatment for the bone disease. A procedure called kyphoplasty can be used to both relieve pain and correct postural problems that may result from osteoporosis. A balloon-like implement is inserted into areas of the back which inflates the vertebrae that may have lost height or become fractured due to osteoporosis. The bones are then glued together with surgical cement so that they have more support as they heal.
