Osteoporosis is a bone disorder where there is a loss of bone mass and density, making it easy for a bone to break. You may not have any pain or symptom of the disorder, but the first sign could be a bone fracture. A comprehensive treatment program for osteoporosis could include proper nutrition, regular exercise, and safety precautions to prevent falls and fractures. Doctors may also prescribe medication to reduce the bone loss and the fracture risk, and increase density.

Hormone therapy is also a treatment option for women in menopause. However, there are several risk factors for the disorder that patients should be aware of:

1. Low estrogen levels during menopause
Some menopausal women will have low bone mineral density. Denosumab as an osteoporosis treatment for postmenopausal women can help in the reduction of bone turnover markers. It is also known by the name Prolia. It will help with the increase of the bone mineral density that is fast, reversible, and sustained. Post menopausal women who have osteoporosis, and take denosumab for treatment will have a reduced risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures. Over the counter medications for osteoporosis are also available for pain relief. The FDA recently approved a once a month osteoporosis medication for postmenopausal women.

2. Chronic hepatitis C
The infection of hepatitis C will reduce bone mineral density in non cirrhotic populations. Chronic HCV infection also increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Usually a prescribed medicine for osteoporosis pain is recommended.

3. Lack of exercise
Regular physical activity encourages bone development, and the lack of exercise puts a person more at risk for the loss of calcium from the bones, thus, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Breaking a bone due to a fall is also an increased risk from lack of exercise. It is important to do some form of regular physical activity for the overall health of the body especially strengthening the muscles and bones.

4. Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid hormone has a great impact on the rate of bone replacement. When the thyroxine level in the body remains too high for a period of time the risk is higher for the development of osteoporosis. The risk is also high if the thyroid stimulating hormone remains too low. Forteo is a synthetic hormone that helps regulate the body’s calcium metabolism, and promote new bone growth. It is a much used medication for osteoporosis.

5. Smoking
Smoking has an effect on every aspect of health including putting people at risk of developing osteoporosis. Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for osteoporosis was identified several decades ago. There is a definite relation between the use of tobacco and decreased bone density. Smoking also increases the risk of bone fractures. Evenity is a drug used to treat osteoporosis. This is a sclerostin inhibitor, and is used for treatment in postmenopausal women, many of whom smoked at some time.

There are many chronic diseases that are risk factors for osteoporosis that include kidney or liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, lupus, multiple myeloma, Celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. People with these diseases and other health conditions should take precautions against falls that may result in bone fractures. Have regular medical check ups with your physician, and take a bone density test.