Treatment

Aim of treatment

The aim of treatment for osteoporosis is to stop the continued bone loss or slow it down in order to prevent fracture of limbs and spine, which may cause significant disability.

Therefore, the treatment for Osteoporosis may include:

• Drugs
• Exercise
• Diet
• Psychological and practical support
• Stopping smoking
• Reducing alcohol intake
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Male specific.

Drugs

Medications are available to treat bone loss in those diagnosed with osteoporosis. A goal of treatment is to prevent the development of osteoporosis (if decreased bone mass exists) and to prevent further bone loss (especially if osteoporosis has already been diagnosed).

Preserving or increasing bone mass and density decreases the risk of broken bones and disability. Many treatments available today have been shown to work quickly (within 1 year) and they may reduce the risk of fracture by up to 50%. The choice of treatment varies according to a person's specific medical needs and lifestyle. The doctor will help determine the treatment of choice.

There are 2 main types of drugs: anti-resorptive drugs that slow progression of bone loss and bone-building agents that help increase bone mass. Anti-resorptive drugs are already widely available. Bone-building drugs are being developed by researchers and are just becoming available.

Exercise

Moderate and regular weight-bearing exercise is important.

Diet

Eating the right foods is essential for good nutrition. Bodies need the right vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to stay healthy. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is important for strong bones, as well as for proper function of the heart, muscles and nerves. The best way to get enough calcium and vitamin D is through a balanced diet.

Calcium supplements and low doses of vitamin D have been shown to reduce the risk of hip fracture in elderly women.

Psychological and practical support

No cure exists for osteoporosis, but effective treatment plans are available. Support networks are important to successful treatment. Information on preventing falls and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is widely available. Rehabilitation after fractures can be a long process and psychological and practical support is important.

Smoking

Smoking has an effect on bones as smokers may absorb less calcium from their diets. Therefore, smokers should be encouraged to stop smoking.

Alcohol intake

Regular consumption of 2-3 units of alcohol a day may also be damaging to bones, even in young women and men. Heavy drinkers are more likely to have bone loss and fractures.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

For post-menopausal women who are not receiving Oestrogen, Oestrogen HRT may be suggested to avoid further bone loss.

Male Specific

More study is needed to establish the best way to treat men who are diagnosed with osteoporosis. If a man has low testosterone levels, doctors are likely to prescribe testosterone replacement to correct the problem and to prevent further bone loss. Whether this step can reverse bone loss is unknown. Smoking and alcohol use increase the risk of bone loss. Other steps that may be recommended by doctors include increased dietary calcium, calcium supplements and multivitamins and increased exercise. The use of drug therapy has not been studied in men as extensively as in women but anti-resorptive drugs have been shown to slow down bone loss.