The basic treatment combines the use of supplements and medication with a proper exercise program adapted. By cons, bone loss may reappear when treatment stops.
If osteoporosis resulting from prolonged use of medication (corticosteroid therapy, etc). Must see to quickly eliminate the cause.
Drugs
There are several medications that can slow down bone degeneration and preserve or increase the mass or bone mineral density, while significantly reducing the risk of fractures. They are indicated when the fracture risk is considered high.
Here are the main ones:
- Bisphosphonates. These drugs slow the bone loss. Most employees are alendronate (Fosamax ®) and risedronate (Actonel ®) in daily or weekly doses in tablet form. A new formulation of Actonel ® can take this medication once a month. It also uses etidronate (Didrocal ®) in daily doses and zoledronic acid administered intravenously once a year.
Calcitonin (Miacalcin ®). This hormone produced by the thyroid gland slows bone loss. It also provides an analgesic effect. It is used by nasal or injection form.
- Raloxifene (Evista ®). The drug mimics the effects of estrogen acting on the receptors for these hormones (but without increasing the risk of getting cancer hormone).
- Tamoxifen. This synthetic hormone, used to treat breast cancer, also has an effect similar to estrogen on bone.
The synthetic parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands is restricted to cases of significant osteoporosis. It is administered as an injection. It plays a role in the trade body calcium and phosphorus, and slows bone loss.
In the case of men with osteoporosis resulting from a deficiency of testosterone (hypogonadism), it uses a hormone androgen.
In cases of acute or chronic pain, use of analgesics. Wearing a brace may be necessary if the pain intensifies.
Hormone replacement therapy at menopause can help slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk. By cons, it is rarely used for this purpose only because the risks it entails. Note that when stopping hormone therapy, a phase of accelerated bone loss begins, as observed naturally in women during the years preceding menopause. To learn more, go to our form Menopause.
Surgery
In cases of hip fracture, surgery is often necessary to reconstruct the hip.
In hyperparathyroidism, removal of the parathyroid glands can improve bone mineral density.
Supplements
Taking calcium supplements (1 000 mg daily) and vitamin D (800 IU or 20 mg daily) is always offered in addition to pharmacological treatments. Between them, they are not sufficient to treat osteoporosis.
Food
As described in prevention, it is good to increase its intake of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. It is also necessary to have an adequate intake of protein, and favor an alkaline diet (rich in fruits and vegetables).