Osteopenia is the term used to describe the beginning stages of osteoporosis. It means you are starting to lose bone mass but your loss is not severe enough to diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones become frail and are susceptible to fracturing. The best defense is to get tested to see whether you are losing bone strength. If you can catch it early on when you have osteopenia, then you can work with your doctor to find medications to help stop and possibly reverse your bone loss. Your doctor can use the absolute fracture risk assessment to determine when it is appropriate to use medication to treat osteopenia.
Antiresorptive Medications
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one class of medications used to help prevent osteoporosis is bisphosphonates. These medications work to stop your bones from breaking down too quickly and help support new bone growth. If successful they help to improve bone density. One medication in this class of drugs is Alendronate. The NOF website claims that "Alendronate reduces bone loss, increases bone density and reduces the risk of spine, hip and other fractures by about 50 percent over two to four years." Other popular bisphosphonates include Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel and Reclast. Some of these drugs can be taken orally and others are injected. You and your doctor will need to discuss which one is best for your situation.
Hormone Therapy
Estrogen and hormone replacement therapy can also be tried. Bone loss tends to increase during menopause (either natural or surgically induced). At this time your body has less estrogen available. These medications aim to increase your hormone level to help slow bone loss and reduce your risk of fracture. Since estrogen taken alone may increase your risk of endometrial cancer and stroke, you may need to take progesterone as well to help lower the risk. However, the American College of Rheumatology warns that taking the two together can increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack and blood clots. Given this the Mayo Clinic states that hormone replacement is not usually the first choice of treatment given the risks and that bisphosphonates seem to be more effective.
Calcitonin
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that Calcitonin can also be helpful as it regulates your body's use of calcium, which in turn can support bone metabolism. It states that it is usually reserved for women who have been in menopause for at least five years. It may be a drug of choice due to its low chance of side effects. The most common side effect is nasal irritation.
