Effective Osteoporosis Treatment
Osteoporosis can't be cured completely but there are certain osteoporosis treatments that can increase bone density and reduce the rate of bone loss and bone fractures. Most of the osteoporosis treatments include use of certain medications. These medications work either by lessening the bone break down or by stimulating the formation of new bone. Some of the medications used in treatment of osteoporosis include:
Bisphosphonates: Bisphosphonates include group of medications that are used in osteoporosis treatment. They help in osteoporosis treatment by slowing down or stopping bone loss, increasing bone density and reducing the risk of bone fractures. They include drugs like Actonel (risedronate), Fosamax (alendronate), Boniva (ibandronate) and Reclast (zoledronic acid). Reclast is used only for the osteoporosis treatment in postmenopausal women. They are either taken orally or in the form of injection. Some of the side effects of bisphophonates include abdominal pain and nausea.
Calcitonin: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Calcitonin is used in osteoporosis treatment as it reduces bone loss. They may prevent bone fractures and may also treat pain associated with bone fractures. Supplemental calcitonin includes Calcimar, Fortical and Miacalcin, which come either in a form of injection or a nasal spray. Calcitonin may not be as effective as other osteoporosis treatments and therefore used by only those who can't take other drugs.
Evista (Raloxifene): Evista is a member of the class selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and is used for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. At present, men can't use it. Due to its estrogen like properties it prevents bone loss and increases bone mass density. Side effects of Evista in osteoporosis treatment include hot flashes and increased risk of blood clots.
Forteo (Teriparatide): Forteo is a drug that is used for treatment of osteoporosis in both men and women who are more prone to fractures. Forteo is a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone (PTH) that controls calcium levels in the body. It works by preventing bone loss, increasing bone mass density and stimulating bone growth. It is taken in a form of injection. It is injected daily into the skin.
These were some of the medications used in the treatment of osteoporosis. There are other osteoporosis treatments like hormonal replacement therapy and green tea, which can also be used for treatment of osteoporosis.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Hormone replacement therapy was used earlier as a main treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. But now a day's women go for hormone replacement therapy only if all other osteoporosis treatments fail. This is because the long-term use of hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of breast cancer, blood clots, strokes and heart diseases.
Hormone replacement therapy is the combination of estrogen and progestin. Estrogen is taken orally or as a skin patch. Increase in estrogen levels slows down bone loss and increases bone density. Hormone replacement therapy works by preventing the bone loss that can cause osteoporosis. If you want to go for hormone replacement therapy remember to consult your doctor.
Green Tea: Green tea is found to be very effective in osteoporosis treatment. Green tea is rich in EGCG, which is found to be effective in increasing bone mineral density. EGCG also have benefits effects on bone health. Thus by increasing bone density green tea can treat or even prevent osteoporosis. Drink 3 to 4 cups of green tea every day.
Apart from medications, green tea and hormone replacement therapy, calcium and vitamin D supplements and regular exercise may also be used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements increases calcium levels increasing bone mass. And regular exercise also increases the bone density and muscle mass.