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Diet, lifestyle changes and medications for osteoporosis treatment
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: 53 minutes ago | Replies (93)Comment receiving replies
@pmhpesp5 I agree with you 100%. This support groups shows how women are doing so much research into what can help us besides the drugs, which have terrible side effects. Osteoporosis affects millions of people so I can't understand why there isn't a more comprehensive plan on what else can help besides drugs. I'm taking so many supplements and vitamins, hoping they help.
Replies to "@pmhpesp5 I agree with you 100%. This support groups shows how women are doing so much..."
Hello @daisy17,
Many medical institutions, including Mayo Clinic, recognize that diet, exercise and lifestyle changes play an important role in prevention and management of osteoporosis. The following is from a Mayo Clinic article:
"Osteoporosis treatment: Medications can help"
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869
"Do I need medicines to treat my osteoporosis?
If your bone loss is mild and you haven't had a bone fracture, your healthcare professional might focus first on lowering your risk of osteoporosis through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.
But if you are at increased risk of breaking a bone, or if your osteoporosis is more advanced, treatment will likely include medicines. At this stage, making diet, exercise and lifestyle changes alone is not an effective treatment. You can work with your health professional on a treatment plan that includes choosing the medicines that are right for you."
Like many diagnoses, there is not always a 'one size fits all' approach to treatment. Diet, lifestyle changes and exercise all play a critical role in managing osteoporosis. As the article mentions, once a diagnosis gets to a more advanced stage, holding off on medications may put a person at a higher risk than taking the medication itself.
The article addresses supplements as well, "It is important to choose supplements for osteoporosis that are supported by scientific evidence. Not all products that claim to improve bone health are safe or effective. Talk with your healthcare professional about any supplements you are considering."
It is important to keep provider's updated on supplements and vitamins you are taking or plan to take as there can be contraindications between medications and supplements that may have unwanted side effects.
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@daisy17 I've become so cynical so take that into account, but there is LOT of money to be made by big pharma with the medications. I also think many docs feel like they've done their due diligence if they prescribe meds - and that's the end of the treatment. It's discouraging.