Forty four million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, 68 percent of which are women. This disease has become a major health problem being accountable for about 1.5 million fractures every year. In response to this matter, there are a few treatment options developed for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a bone-debilitating disease characterized by the thinning of the bones. A bone density test may be done to diagnose or confirm if you have osteoporosis. Furthermore, this procedure helps your doctor determine if you need an osteoporosis medication like Fosamax to prevent your bones from breaking.

There are a number of remedies your doctor may suggest In order to prevent the occurrence of fracture, which is the main goal of treating osteoporosis. In addition, you may also be recommended to adjust your diet and/or engage in regular exercises according to your need. Medicinal therapy alone may not yield the most desired outcome of the treatment.

Bisphosphonate drugs, as of the moment, are currently the first line of treatment for osteoporosis. They work by preventing bone resorption which slows down bone loss and reduce the risk of spine and hip fracture. One of the most popular bisphosphonates is alendronate (Fosamax).

Before bisphosphonates were made, estrogen hormone therapy was the first line of treatment for osteoporosis. Basically, the hormone estrogen increases bone formation and reduces bone resorption which prevents bone loss. The mechanism is similar to the testosterone replacement therapy which may be prescribed in men with osteoporosis.

A comprehensive treatment program for osteoporosis would include nutrition, exercise and safety issues in the planning. Vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D and calcium, are essential to people suffering from osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises like walking or hiking are essential for the health of your bones.

There are many approaches towards treating osteoporosis and your health care provider will determine the best intervention based on your medical history. Each approach has its own pros and cons which your doctor will also discuss. As in the case of bisphosphonate drug, which could cause a certain thigh bone fracture if used over a long course. The manufacturer now faces a number of Fosamax lawsuits because it allegedly failed to warn its customers about the risk.