Treatment is important to prevent osteoporosis and long-term problems. This condition develops after a loss of bone mass, which makes bones weak and prone to breaks.

Some medications help prevent bone loss, while others help rebuild bone and boost bone mass. The treatments can help reduce the risk of broken bones.

The early stages of osteoporosis cause no symptoms, so you may not notice any changes in your condition after treatment. Doctors can check your bone mineral density to see if your osteoporosis treatment is working.

You can learn about how to monitor osteoporosis treatment, and when to switch to a different drug.

A bone density test can help determine if your osteoporosis medication is working.

This is done using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), a painless process that involves lying on a table as an imager moves over your body. You probably had a mammogram before you got the osteoporosis diagnosis.

Doctors recommend getting a bone density Scan after starting treatment, but this can vary from person to person and depending on the medication used.

A healthcare professional can recommend blood and urine testing to help evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment.

Here are some signs that your osteoporosis treatment is working.

  • Your bone density is not decreasing.
  • You have not had any more bone loss.
  • You have not had any new injuries.

Osteoporosis treatment is typically recommended for postmenopausal women with:

  • A bone mineral density T-score of less than 2.5
  • Increased risk of injury.
  • History of hip or spine injuries.

Antiresorptives and steroids are two main categories of osteoporosis medications that can help lower the chances of breaking a bone.

Antiresorptives

The body breaks down old bone with the help of osteoporosis drugs. They help prevent you from losing bone mass.

Antiresorptive medications used to treat osteoporosis include bisphosphonates. These include:

  • Alendronate is a drug.
  • Ibandronate is a drug.
  • Atelvia and Actonel are the names of the drugs that risedronate.
  • Zoledronic acid is a type of acid.

Bisphosphonates are generally well-tolerated as a first-line therapy. If these drugs don’t work, a doctor may recommend another type of antiresorptive medication, such as:

  • Denosumab is a drug.
  • The drug is called calcitonin.
  • Estradiol and progestin.
  • A estrogen receptor modulator is a drug that reduces the amount of estrogen in the body.
  • A tissue-specific estrogen complex.

Anabolic agents

“New bone formation can be stimulated bybolic agents. These are usually recommended for people with severe osteoporosis who haven’t seen any results from other drugs.”

Osteoporosis can be treated withbolic agents.

  • Bonsity and Forteo are hormone parathyroid analogs.
  • Tymlos is a parathyroid hormone-related analog.
  • romosozumab is a sclerostin inhibitor.

Many osteoporosis medications are available in pill form.

Depending on the drug, your osteoporosis treatment may need to be administered.

  • daily
  • weekly
  • monthly
  • once a year

The risk of side effects is the same with osteoporosis treatments. A doctor can explain the benefits and side effects of each and recommend an osteoporosis treatment for you.

“Osteoporosis treatment won’t cure or reverse the disease, but it is working. The goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of broken bones.”

Each type of medication has its own treatment goals. Antiresorptive medications are used to prevent bone loss. The goals of the agents are to increase bone density.

  • The bone is being rebuilt.
  • Repairing small damage in the bone.
  • boosting bone mass

The likelihood of your osteoporosis being helped increases when you follow your treatment plan.

“If your osteoporosis treatment isn’t working, your doctor may recommend trying a different medication based on a variety of factors”

  • Your risk of a broken bone.
  • Your overall health.
  • Your preferences.
  • There are potential side effects of the drug.

If the current osteoporosis medication causes side effects, you may need to switch.

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of different drugs and whether or not you should try a different treatment.

Making changes to your diet and lifestyle can support your bones and reduce the risk of broken bones.

Calcium and vitamin D play an important role in bone health, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting adequate amounts of these nutrients. The National Institutes of Health recommends:

  • 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day for women over 50.
  • 600 IUs of the sunshine-protecting substance can be found in a day up to age 70.
  • 800 IUs of the D are needed after 70.

Your doctor may recommend different doses based on your health.

Calcium can be found in a variety of foods. Salmon, egg yolks, and mushrooms are some of the common foods that contain some form of vitamins D and D3.

“If you don’t get enough calcium or vitamins D through your diet and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend taking a supplement.”

A variety of lifestyle changes can help osteoporosis. Here are some other tips.

  • You should perform weight-bearing exercises on a regular basis.
  • Alcohol and caffeine should be cut down.
  • If you smoke, quit.
  • Poor lighting and tripping hazard in your home.
  • You can install grab bars or handrails where you need them.
  • If you feel more stable, use a cane or walker.
  • Good grip and support can be provided by shoes.
  • Stay involved and socially active. Social interactions can lift your spirits.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis can affect your mental health. If you feel depressed or anxious, talk to a mental health professional. An osteoporosis support group is a great option for emotional support.

Steroids and antiresorptives can be used to treat osteoporosis. If you get bone density scans, you can determine if your osteoporosis treatment is working.

“If your current treatment isn’t working, a doctor may recommend a different medication When choosing a medication, your health and personal preferences should be considered. It is important to discuss the potential side effects.”

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for osteoporosis. Along with medication, lifestyle interventions can also be helpful in improving bone health.

If you are concerned about the effectiveness of your osteoporosis treatment, you should contact a doctor.