HealthBee

Bisphosphonates are among the newest medications for preventing and treating osteoporosis. They work by binding to the cells that break down bone and inhibit their activities. While they are new in the treatment of osteoporosis, they have been used for decades in the treatment of other bone disorders.

Many studies demonstrate that bisphosphonates can increase bone denisty significantly. Benefits usually begin within a year and increase in the second and third years. After that, there are minimal improvements. Fortunately, long term use of bisphosphonates for other bone diseases have shown them to be safe.

People who should consider hisphosphonates are:

• women who are unable or unwilling to take Hormone Replacement Therapy
• women who discontinue hormones, who would suffer rapid bone loss
• women and men who suffer osteopenia or osteoporosis as a result of taking steroids
• women with severre osteoporosis who are taking HRT

People who should not take bisphosphonates are those who have ulcers, heartburn or otehr gastrointestinal disorders, however, the drug has been shown to be well tolerated provided the instructions for taking it are followed.

The following brand names are bisphosphonates:
(Fosamax) risedronate
(Actonel) ibandronate
(Boniva) etidronate
(Didronel)

A strong correlation between depression and low bone mass exists according to a 2001 press release from the National Institute of Health . It also suggests that depression is a substancial risk factor for osteoporosis:

Although its causes are unclear, major depression is associated with hormonal abnormalities that can lead to changes in tissue, such as bone. Research suggests that higher cortisol levels, often found in depressed patients, may contribute to bone loss and changes in body composition. Fragile bones and increased risk of fracture are signs of osteoporosis. When one or more risk factors occur, such as low BMD, family history, previous fracture, thinness, or smoking, a clinical evaluation for osteoporosis is recommended. Identifying depression as a risk factor would improve patient diagnosis and treatment.

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding. Amenorrhea is a normal feature in prepubertal, pregnant, and postmenopausal females, however, if it is prolonged, it indicates low estrogen levels.

Estrogen helps women absorb the calcium they take into their bodies. While estrogen doesn’t seem to be more than a sex hormone, most tissues in the body have receptors for estrogen.

Bones contain two different types of cells. Osteoblasts are cells that build bone. Osteoclasts are cells that dissolve old bone so new bone can be added. Estrogen stimulates osteoblasts and more importantly, suppresses osteoclasts.

With less estrogen in the body, such as during menopause, the bone builders, the osteoblasts are outdone by the osteoclasts. Bone building activity never stops happening, but sometimes new bone is being produced at a slower rate than the old bone dissolving.

Estrogen also helps the intestines to absorb calcium, and prevents it from being excreted by the kidneys. It also stimulates the activity of Vitamin D which is essential for absorbing calcium.