Menopause is simply the name given to the last menstrual period. Menopause is characterized by the loss of estrogen production by the ovaries. Menopausal and postmenopausal women are especially prone to osteoporosis, about half of them will develop this disease. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from inside the uterus, or womb. It passes out of the body through the vagina. Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of symptoms that start before the period. Approximately 1 percent of women experience menopause before age 40. Osteoporosis is a silent disease. Osteoporosis leads to literally abnormally porous bone that is more compressible like a sponge, than dense like a brick.

Osteoporosis is a condition that features loss of the normal density of bone and fragile bone. Some osteoporosis fractures may escape detection until years later. The osteoporosis condition can operate silently for decades, because osteoporosis doesn’t cause symptoms unless bone fractures. Osteoporosis is more common in older individuals and non-Hispanic white women, but can occur at any age, in men as well as in women, and in all ethnic groups. Many factors will increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and suffering a fracture. Major risk factors include Older age (starting in the mid-30s but accelerating after 50 years of age) ,non-hispanic white and Asian ethnic background ,small bone structure ,family history of osteoporosis or osteoporosis-related fracture in a parent or sibling.

There are several alternatives of medication to treat osteoporosis. Medications such as risedronate ibondronate raloxifene alendronate and calcitonin-salmon. To keep bones strong, eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercise and do not smoke. If needed, medicines can also help. Calcium and vitamin D supplements also help Osteoporosis . Other treatment is estrogen therapy ,weight-bearing exercises and injectable teriparatide. A proper nutrition is a diet sufficient in calcium and vitamin D. Patients at risk for osteoporosis are generally treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements. Avoid excess alcohol intake. Bisphosphonate is the main drug for treatment. Calcitonin (Calcimar, Miacalcin) a hormone made from the thyroid gland, is given usually as a nasal spray or as an injection under the skin.

Osteoporosis Treatment Tips

Teriparatide (Forteo, recombinant parathyroid hormone 1-34) has been shown to be effective in osteoporosis.

Bisphosphonate is the main drug for treatment.

Changes to lifestyle factors and diet are also recommended, both regarding nutrition and exercise.

Weight-bearing exercise is of great importance for people suffering from the osteoporosis

Stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes.

Treat underlying medical conditions that can cause osteoporosis.

Minimize or change medications that can cause osteoporosis.

Menopause Treatment Tips

1. Healthy life helps to control menopause weight gain.

2. Menopause weight gain can be controlled with alternative medicine.

3. Testosterone helps your body to create lean muscle mass out of the calories that you take in.

4. Avoid crash diets.

5. Starvation will only cause your metabolism to slow down, causing you to gain more weight later on.

6. Menopausal women tend to exercise less than other women, which can lead to weight gain.



Thanks to Juliet Cohen for contributing this article to our Osteoporosis blog:

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It’s interesting that many people assume that osteoporosis is a women’s disease; it’s true that this condition affects some four times as many women as men, but men too can suffer from this dangerous and even deadly condition.

Osteoporosis is a disease that attacks the integrity of the bone structure.  This can lead to bone weakness and eventual fractures.  Unfortunately many people don’t know that they have this condition until a bone actually breaks.  While this may not sound very dangerous - a broken bone is easily mended, right?  In reality the fractures can typically happen in the areas of the back and hip.  A hip fracture can be very dangerous and usually requires surgery with a hospital stay, and may interfere with one’s ability to walk without assistance.  In severe cases they can be deadly.  Someone with osteoporosis needs to take this condition very seriously, and everyone else should be doing everything they can to avoid getting the disease in the first place.

Getting Tested

Doctors today can do a simple bone density test for those at risk for getting osteoporosis.  This includes women approaching menopause, women with very small bone structure, and those taking medications that can cause the disease.  The bone scan is not painful or invasive; it is something like a full-body x-ray. 

Your doctor can also prescribe medications if you already have the disease or are at a greater risk for contracting it; but before that time, try taking a daily calcium supplement, exercising, and stopping smoking.  It is best to avoid getting osteoporosis in the first place.

Natural Treatments

The bones are made up mostly of calcium; taking calcium supplements is one of the best forms of natural treatments.  There are many reasons why the bones may have less calcium than they need to be strong and healthy.  Many times it’s simply genetics and the way a body is naturally.  Some people may do certain things that leech calcium from the system, such as drinking large amounts of cola or other highly acidic beverages.  Acid of course wears away calcium from the body’s system.  Smoking dehydrates the body and also damages calcium reserves.  If taking a calcium supplement as a prevention for osteoporosis it’s important to keep in mind that you need adequate amounts of vitamin D as this helps the body to absorb calcium properly.  Most calcium supplements you purchase at the pharmacy also have vitamin D added; be sure to get one that does.

Believe it or not, exercise and weight lifting actually increases bone strength as well as muscle strength.  Increasing your physical fitness levels and adding some weight lifting can also help prevent osteoporosis. 

Other Vitamins and over the counter products you may want to consider and why are:

Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D supplied in high doses have shown to increase bone mass as much as 25 to 30 percent over a six month period.

Fluoride has been found to increase the bond density in older women.

Glucosamine provides cartilage nutrition for healthy joints.

Vitamin A is needed to promote healthy bones and teeth.

Vitamin E promotes the natural body healing mechanism.

Multiple Minerals are needed for healthy bones and teeth.

Boron is known as the calcium helper and assists calcium absorption and utilization in the body.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.



Thanks to David Cowley for contributing this article to our Osteoporosis blog:

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Can you answer Nathan H’s question about Osteoporosis?:

I heard once that calcium will block the absorption of other key nutrients if they are taken after te same meal. Is this true? I usually like to split my supplements (like multi) up and take them throughout the day. A full calcium citrate supplement is taken in three pills, so I’m trying to figure out how to get an adequate amount of calcium every day.

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Can you answer Greg S’s question about Osteoporosis?:

I’ve heard that the calcium in milk is more bioavailable that other forms of calcium and so I was wondering what form it is in. This might be helpful in choosing the best calcium supplement if any contain the same form of calcium.

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Can you answer Angela C’s question about Osteoporosis?:

What is the best type of calcium supplements to take for osteopenia? I was diagnosed with it at age 28 when I fractured my leg while jogging. I have crohn’s disease and fibromyalgia so veggies high in calcium are usually off my list of foods I can eat due to the fiber content.

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