Osteoporosis is a condition that affects more than 40 million women over the age of 50. It manifests itself in the reduction of bone mineral density, or BMD. This condition can occur in varying degrees of severity and the risk of pathologic bone fractures rises in proportion to the severity. Causes can include genetics as well as drug-induced (steroids). There are several prescription medications on the market to help fight against bone density loss.
Biophosphonates
This class of drug is very similar in action to the hormone estrogen. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of bone cells, preserving existing bone mass and helping to increase bone density. Men can also be hep by this drug, especially those who have experienced steroid-induced loss of bone density, an unfortunate side effect of long term steroid use, as seen in organ transplant patients and those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Biophosphonates, FDA approved in 2007 for post menopausal women, are administered intravenously on an annual basis. They show great promise, in that studies are now emerging that show a remarkable 70 percent reduction in pathologic fractures of the spine and 40+ percent drop in hip fractures caused by osteoporosis.
SERM's
Another classification of drugs used in the battle against osteoporosis is called the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). These drugs provide the desirable benefits of the hormone estrogen but without the potential hazards unfortunately associated with estrogen, such as increased risk of cancer of the uterus and breasts. This drug is currently not FDA approved for use in men.
Calcitonin
Another hormone in the body, calcitonin, is produced in the thyroid gland. The function of this hormone is to reduce the body's natural bone resorption process, thus possibly slowing bone loss. There is some evidence that calcitonin may also prevent some spine fractures and even provide some symptomatic relief from the pain involved in spinal column compression fractures.
Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is a synthetic hormone, not produced in the body, and is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer. Additionally, it is given to women who are determined to be at high risk for breast cancer, in hopes of reducing the risk. One action of Tamoxifen is to block the effects of estrogen on breast tissue cells, however, this medication also conveys many estrogen-like beneficial effects elsewhere in the body, namely the bone cells by helping to reduce the risk of bone fractures.
