Osteoporosis can be a result of multiple different causative factors. The popular treatment options are often a combination of lifestyle, exercise, and medications. Practices like smoking, alcohol consumption, and low exposure to the sun, can worsen the bone disease. Depending on all these factors and the popular treatments for osteoporosis, the health care professionals draw up a treatment plan.

Popular treatment options for osteoporosis

1. Calcium
Since osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, taking calcium supplements is highly advised. The daily recommended value of calcium supplements is around 1200 to 1500 mg a day. However, the body is only able to absorb as much as 600 mg of the nutrient at a given time. It is, therefore, recommended that the supplement be taken two to three times a day to meet the prescribed value.

2. Vitamin D
Like calcium, vitamin D is crucial for optimum bone health and density. It helps maintain bone density and also helps absorb calcium better. The recommended daily dosage of vitamin D is around 800 to 1000 IU.

3. Estrogen
Women who have entered the menopausal phase are at a greater risk for osteoporosis. The decreasing levels of estrogen in the body can put excessive strain on the bones and cause a decrease in bone mass. Adding estrogen supplements to the diet helps in decreasing or may be even eliminating the risk of fractures of the hip bone and joints. The hormone can be supplemented both orally and in the form of transdermal patches.

4. SERMs
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators or SERMs drugs are the newest medications used in the treatment for osteoporosis. These are especially beneficial for women who cannot, for any reason, take estrogen medications. SERMs have a big part to play in the overall improvement of the health of the women who are fighting or recovering from breast cancer. It has proven beneficial for both breast cancer and bone preservation.

5. Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are one of the popular treatment options for people with osteoporosis. This treatment option for osteoporosis has proven effective in slowing down the rate of loss of bone mass. In certain cases, bisphosphonates are also known to enhance bone density. Before adding it to the treatment plan, the doctor will check for the calcium level present in the blood and ascertain the adequate performance of the kidneys. Only after these are confirmed will the medical practitioner add bisphosphonates to the plan and will follow it up with DXA reports once every two years.

6. Nutritional therapy
Nutrition has a crucial role to play in an individual’s wellbeing. An individual with healthy habits but low nutritional intake can still face health issues in their life. Nutritional therapy is, therefore, an important factor to consider in the prevention and treatment plans of various health conditions, including osteoporosis. An individual attains their maximum bone density by the time they reach the age of 25 years. It is advised to inculcate calcium-rich foods in the diet to increase bone health. Some nutritional habits also include limiting coffee and tea intake, and also keeping tabs on soda and salt consumption.