Osteoporosis Treatments Side Effects

Answer 1

60 is the new 40! Modern women embrace this philosophy of aging, and are healthier and more active well into later years than any previous generation. But aging does bring increased health risks and concerns, and even active women with conscientious health habits are affected by troublesome symptoms. In particular, osteoporosis can affect women�s bone density, and threaten their health and active lifestyle. Left untreated, osteoporosis leads to weak bones and dangerous bone fractures.

Safe and effective treatment for osteoporosis

The good news is that osteoporosis is easily treated with safe, effective medications called bisphosphonates. Many of the brand names are familiar from television and magazine ads: Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel, among others. According to Kurt Kennel, M.D., on the website MayoClinic.com, these medications are safe and well tolerated for most women, with only mild side effects. The most common side effect from taking bisphosphonates is stomach upset or heartburn. Fortunately, following dosage instructions carefully usually mitigates these symptoms. For those who experience intense stomach upset, these medications are available in an injection form.

Symptoms to discuss with your doctor

Of course, as with any medication, there is a potential for rare and serious side effects, which you should discuss promptly with your doctor. Bisphosphonates can cause a rare type of thigh fracture, indicated by thigh or groin pain. These medications can also affect the integrity of the jawbone, and may rarely cause eye redness or eye pain.

All women over the age of 50 should discuss with a health-care provider whether a bone density test is needed. This is especially important when other health concerns are present, including thyroid disorders or family history of osteoporosis. Alternative treatments

In some cases, your doctor may suggest hormone treatment or hormone-like medications for osteoporosis. Because of the safety and effectiveness of bisphosphonates, this recommendation is usually reserved for women with other health conditions, such as Breast cancer. Hormone treatments may have more serious side-effect concerns (such as increased risk of certain types of cancer) than bisphosphonates, so discuss these with your doctor.

The risk of developing osteoporosis as women age is real and a concern. Safe, effective treatment with bisphosphonates allows women to continue an active, healthy lifestyle without the worry of dangerous bone fractures or unpleasant treatment side effects.