There is a new drug that does replace bone - Teriparatide -Parathyroid Hormone but treatment, including calcium supplements, exercise, and sometimes hormone replacement and medications can prevent further bone loss.
Calcium Supplements
Calcium intake remains a first line intervention for anyone with thinning bones. If you are not getting 1000- 1200 mg of calcium every day in your diet, you should use a calcium supplement. Both calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are recommended types of supplements that are absorbed by the body. Some hints for using supplements:
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The body only absorbs 400-500 mg of calcium at one time. If you take a supplement with a calcium rich food (yogurt, glass of milk, cheese) you will not get the benefit of both.
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Spread out the calcium. Even eating a calcium rich snack or taking a supplement at night is recommended since the body uses calcium 24 hours per day.
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If you use calcium carbonate, take it with a meal. It is better absorbed with food.
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If you use calcium citrate, take it between meals - it is better absorbed on an empty stomach. Because of intestinal changes, people with digestive problems and those over age 70 should use calcium citrate.
Exercise
Exercise is the second essential component of bone health. Weight bearing exercise - meaning your foot supports your weight as you perform the exercise - is the primary type needed for building bones and maintaining bone density. Walking, jogging, dancing, aerobics, and gardening are all examples of weight bearing exercises. Exercises for balance and increasing muscle strength are also recommended to help prevent falls that can cause a fracture.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
This therapy is approved for prevention of osteoporosis and is recommended for women at the time of menopause. Because estrogen protects the bone, the loss of estrogen in menopause is a primary cause of bone loss in women. Replacing the estrogen with HRT can prevent the rapid loss of bone that occurs during the 5 to 7 years after menopause. It is available in a variety of forms including pills and skin patches. Those women who are not candidates for HRT and have risk factors for osteoporosis should discuss other preventive measures with their doctor.
Raloxifene (Evista)
This is a form of a class of drugs that have been developed to provide the beneficial effects of estrogen without their potential disadvantages. It has been shown to prevent bone loss and reduces the risk of vertebral fractures. It is taken daily in pill form and cannot be used to treat menopausal symptoms.
Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
This is given as a nose spray every other day. Calcitonin has been shown to increase bone in the vertebrae (spine) and provides some relief of the pain associated with vertebral fractures.
Bisphophonates (Fosamax; Actonel)
These are given in a pill either daily or once per week. They are a new class of drug that increases bone density both in the vertebrae and the hip. They are not well absorbed, so they must be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. For the next half-hour, no other food, beverage or medication can be taken and you must remain upright (no lying down or bending).
For More Information
Please contact the Sara Lee Women's Center for information regarding these recommended treatments for osteoporosis. Our telephone number is 336-718-3780.
