Osteoporosis - Treatment & Prevention - WomensHealthChannel

Osteoporosis - Treatment & Prevention - WomensHealthChannel: "Medical Treatment
Treatment combines nutrition, exercise, safety measures, and medications.
Nutrition
Getting adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in a healthy diet is important to encourage bone growth and maintain health. Vitamin D supplements are used in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Weight-bearing exercise (e.g., walking, jogging, hiking, dancing) has several positive effects, the foremost being an increase in bone density. Exercise also increases strength, coordination, and balance, thereby reducing the risk for falls. Twenty minutes of exercise 3 or 4 times per week is recommended. Women should consult their physicians when beginning an exercise program.
Safety
Measures taken to prevent falls are also part of the treatment plan:
Avoid slippery surfaces
Install hand rails
Keep surfaces smooth and uncluttered
Provide adequate lighting
Use a cane or walker
Wear rubber-soled, flat shoes
Wear eyeglasses
Medications
Estrogen replacement therapy
Alendronate and risedronate
Raloxifine
Calcitonin-salmon
Synthetic parathyroid hormone
Estrogen replacement therapy
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is recommended for women at high risk for osteoporosis or who have osteoporosis. Women who have had a hysterectomy or an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) before age 50, have experienced natural menopause and have multiple risk factors for osteoporosis, or have below normal bone mass for their age are good candidates for ERT.
Estrogen reduces osteoclast activity. When taken by postmenopausal women, there is a slower rate of bone loss and increased bone mass in the spine and hip. With 10 or more years of use, a postmenopausal woman's risk"

more info at : www. dreddyclinic. com/findinformation/bb/osteoporosis. htm