Osteoporosis Treatment Options

It’s natural for healthy bones to break down and rebuild throughout your life. As you age, bones break down quicker, and it’s harder for the rebuilding process to keep up. That’s why it’s important to get expert, personalized treatment for bone health.

Osteoporosis treatments and medications either prevent bone breakdown or increase bone density. UMass Memorial Health rheumatologists and endocrinologists work with you to determine the right treatment plan.

Osteoporosis Treatment Options

We work with you to find the combination of medication and lifestyle changes that can protect your bone health.

Lifestyle Changes for Bone Health

There are several ways to help minimize the effects of osteoporosis. Your treatment plan may require you to:

• Eat a healthy diet: Include nutritious food and get enough calcium and vitamin D.
• Educate yourself: Learn about the disease so you can decrease your risk of fracture.
• Exercise: Do weight-bearing activities and exercises to improve balance and posture.
• Have additional testing: You may need bone density testing and lab work.
• Limit alcohol: Large quantities of alcohol contribute to bone loss.
• Quit smoking: It speeds up bone loss.
• Take medications: They can slow bone loss or increase growth.

Medications for Osteoporosis

Many osteoporosis medications can slow or prevent bone breakdown. Other osteoporosis medications increase the rebuilding process to strengthen bones and reduce the likelihood of fractures.

Bisphosphonates are examples of medications that prevent bone breakdown and increase bone density. Your provider may prescribe one of these medications. Depending on the medication, you may take it daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly. They are available as either a pill or an injection.

Other medications increase bone density and bone quality. Your provider will discuss the best medication for your situation.