- Declining estrogen, progesterone and Testosterone levels cause bone density to decrease and the risk of fractures to increase. Estrogen is important for bone growth and strength, while progesterone rebuilds new bone cells. Decline in Growth Hormone levels associated with aging also contributes to the progression of Osteoporosis.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen and progesterone is approved for both prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogen therapy taken alone without being balanced by Natural Progesterone, can increase a woman’s risk of developing cancer in the uterus and breast.
- Osteoporosis is often associated with inadequate calcium intake. However, a deficiency of vitamin D also contributes to osteoporosis by reducing calcium absorption. According to the National Institutes of Health (USA), people with vitamin D insufficiency absorb less than 10% of available calcium. The study concluded that there was a lower risk of hip fractures only in individuals with a higher intake of calcium coupled with a higher intake of vitamin D.
- One fifth of hip fractures occur in men. The exponential increase in hip fractures with age is seen in both genders, but the rise occurs about 10 years later in men than in women. Males lose bone density with aging, but because males begin with a higher bone density, they reach osteoporotic levels at an older age than females. Also, men do not undergo the rapid bone loss associated with menopause. By the age of 90, about 17% of males have had a hip fracture, compared to 32% of females.
- Teriparatide (Anabolics from the class of PTH): This is a choice for men with severe osteoporosis who has not responded to other therapies.
- Calcitonin: This has not been extensively studied but it is reasonable to use this agent in mild cases or as a second choice if side effects prevent other choices.
- Thiazides: This drug is not usually recommended primarily for prevention of osteoporosis because the appropriate studies for fracture prevention have never been done
- HGH Injection therapy in case of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency
Basic prevention of Osteoporosis:
- Adequate calcium, vitamin D
- Exercise, optimal weight
- Avoidance of smoking
- Timely supervised replacement of sex hormones through BHRT