Osteoporosis is mainly a disease of the elderly. The loss of bone puts the affected person at risk of fracture and disability. A person with osteoporosis doesn't have to suffer a fall or injury to break a bone. Sometimes a bone can fracture with simple movement. Because of this bone fragility, many people seek medication to help prevent bone loss and increase bone mass.
Bone Requirements
To maintain density and strength, bones require an adequate supply of calcium and other minerals. In order for bone to properly absorb these minerals, the body needs an adequate amount of Vitamin D and certain hormones. These hormones include parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, growth hormones, estrogen and testosterone.
Osteoporosis and Women
More women then men have osteoporosis, primarily due to hormonal changes after menopause. After a woman goes through menopause, estrogen levels drop off. Estrogen is needed by the body to help calcium become part of bone. In addition to a loss of estrogen, elderly women typically have an age related calcium and Vitamin D deficiency.
Calcium and Vitamin D
To combat osteoporosis, adequate levels of calcium and Vitamin D must be maintained on a daily basis. The body requires 1500 mg of calcium and 400-800 units of Vitamin D each day. This can be obtained through drinking a minimum of two eight ounce servings of Vitamin D fortified milk. Supplemental calcium and Vitamin D pills may also be recommended. As long as recommended dosage is followed, supplemental calcium and Vitamin D are safe to consume with little to no side effects.
Biphosphonate Medication
In a person with osteoporosis, biphosphonate medications can be taken. These drugs increase and protect against broken bones. These medicines need to be taken with a large glass of water immediately after waking in the morning. In addition, to lessen the chance of irritation of the esophagus, the person needs to remain seated or standing for at least 30 minutes after taking these drugs.
Biphosphonate Side Effects
Biphosphonate medicine should not be taken by people with certain health conditions. People with stomach or esophagus problems, those who have trouble swallowing, pregnant or nursing women, people who can't sit up or stand for 30 minutes after consuming, people with low blood calcium levels or those with kidney problems are at risk for complications if taking these medicines.
Estrogen Therapy
Estrogen therapy has been used as a treatment for osteoporosis. This therapy begins five years after menopause to help stop the loss of bone. However, estrogen replacement drugs have been associated with a number of serious side effects. These include an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer. Estrogen replacement therapy has also shown to cause an increase risk of blood clot formation and certain cardiovascular diseases.
Tags: calcium Vitamin, after menopause, bone mass, increase bone, increase bone mass