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Prevention & Treatment
In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most
merciful "Saying: " My Lord! Indeed, my bones have grown feeble, and
gray hair has spread on my head, and I have never been unblest in my
invocation to you, O my Lord!" Surat Mariam, Holy Quaran |
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Osteoporosis: Prevention and treatment:
Prevention is still the most effective
treatment for osteoporosis. There are 3 main goals of prevention of
osteoporosis. The most important one is to achieve as high a peak bone
density as possible prior to skeletal maturity, by encouraging, proper
nutrition and exercise, and by avoiding smoking and alcohol.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is the single most effective therapy
for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Women who take ERT
after menopause are less likely to suffer hip and wrist fractures due to
osteoporosis than those who don't. When estrogen is given alone, there
is a small risk of developing cancer of the endometrium (lining of the
uterus) which could be prevented by adding another hormone called
progesteron. This "cycled" therapy may also lower the incidence of
breast cancer. ERT may have a protective effect on the heart and lower
the incidence of ischemic heart disease. Nevertheless, patients on ERT
must have thorough and regular gynecological follow up. ERT could be
administered orally or as a skin patch. The hormone calcitonin has
recently been released in a nasal form for use in the treatment
(prevention) of osteoporosis. It prevents bone-loss by inhibiting bone-resorption
and it alleviates the associated bone pain as well. Calcium and vitamin
D supplements should be considered with the hormonal therapy especially
if the patient's nutrition is insufficient, milk and dairy products are
limited or sun exposure inadequate. Etidronate: Oral biphosphonate
compound that reduces bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity
has been reported to produce a small increase in vertebral bone mineral
mass and to reduce the incidence of vertebral fracture.
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