Prevention Of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis General Information

Osteoporosis is the generic medical term used to define a disease which causes the patient’s bones to become brittle and weak. This disease is caused by a decrease of the mineral levels in the patient’s bone tissues, leading to more frequent and easily occurring fractures. In severe cases, even minor efforts like coughing may result in fractures. Most commonly, patients that have this medical condition will suffer fractures of the wrist, hip or spine; however all the bones may be affected and thus may fracture easily.

While Osteoporosis is far more common in female patients, especially in those that have already passed menopause, males may be affected by this disease as well. This affection may appear as a result of other medical conditions – such as hormonal disorders, or several chronic diseases in both men and women –, but it may also be induced by certain medication therapies. Glucocorticoids in particular tend to induce this medical condition in patients following high-dose therapies or taking this type of medication for a prolonged time period. This affection may appear as a result of several other factors, and it has a profound impact on the quality of the patients’ life; in many cases it also affects the affected person’s life expectancy.

Prevention Of Osteoporosis

There are several ways that may be employed for the Prevention Of Osteoporosis. One of the most important means to accomplish this is by ensuring a supplementary intake of vitamin D and calcium, thus reducing the risk of developing this affection. In the case of patients who already have this disease, adding these supplements to the regular diet may help prevent the condition from worsening, and in some cases these elements may also help in strengthening the bones. Typically, a daily prophylactic dose of 1,000 mg of elemental calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D is recommended for the Prevention Of Osteoporosis in women that have not yet passed through menopause, or in postmenopausal women who undergo hormone therapy. For prophylactic use in other individuals susceptible of developing this affection, the recommended daily dose is of 1,500 milligrams of elemental calcium while maintaining a constant dosage of 800 IU of vitamin D.

In many cases, the needed calcium and vitamin D can also be provided through an appropriate diet. In the Prevention Of Osteoporosis, nutritionists recommend that the individuals consume plenty of oily fish (sardines, tuna) and egg yolks for additional quantities of vitamin D, along with dairy products, broccoli, almonds, oats and soy products, canned salmon and cooked kale which will provide an addition of calcium. Also as part of the Prevention Of Osteoporosis, the health care specialists will recommend quitting smoking for individuals who have this habit, as the substances assimilated from the tobacco increase bone loss and negatively affect the calcium absorption in the intestines. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided in excessive quantities, as it also blocks the absorption of the nutrients and minerals, while at the same time decreasing the formation of new bone tissue.

Exercising has a strong beneficial effect in maintaining and increasing the bones’ strength, not to mention that it may also assist in preventing a number of other medical affections and conditions. The best prophylactic results are observed in individuals that have exercised regularly over the years, starting from childhood or adolescence. Hormone therapy may assist in the Prevention Of Osteoporosis in women that have passed or are currently at menopause, as well as in men with low testosterone levels. However, due to the possible side effects associated with this type of therapy, it is advised that the patient consults with his or her personal health care provider, in order to determine if this type of treatment is appropriate.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Until recently, the first choice of treatment for Osteoporosis was the hormone therapy. However, modern medicine is currently offering alternative solutions to this affection, avoiding the risks associated with hormone therapy. Currently, several medicines are available for the treatment of this affection. The examining health care professional will discuss with you the possibilities and will help you decide which treatment course is most appropriate for your particular case. There are several treatment plans that may be employed, and once the decision has been made, the prescribing physician will provide you with the exact dosage and intake guidelines for the therapy.

Bisphosphonates are a class of medicines that have a strong positive action in reducing bone tissue degradation, bone mass preservation and in some cases they may even lead to an increase in bone density. Typically, this type of medication is prescribed for the treatment of young adults and male patients, and may also be used to prevent the affection in patients undergoing long term treatment with steroid drugs. Other types of medication that may be employed in the prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis are selective estrogen receptor modulators (such as Raloxifene) and such hormones as Calcitonin (a thyroid hormone), Teriparatide (a powerful analog of parathyroid hormone) or Tamoxifen (a synthetic hormone used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer).