1. Osteoporosis Slideshow Pictures
2. Super Foods for Your Bones Slideshow Pictures
3. Take the Osteoporosis Quiz

Medical Author:

Howard R Smith, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Medications are available to treat bone loss in those diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia. A goal of treatment is to prevent the development of osteoporosis (if decreased bone mass or other risk factors exist) and to prevent further bone loss (especially if osteoporosis has already been diagnosed). Preserving or increasing bone mass and density decreases the risk of broken bones (osteoporotic fractures) and disability. Many treatments available today have been shown to work quickly (within one year), and they may reduce the risk of fracture by up to 50%. The choice of treatment should fit a person's specific medical needs and lifestyle. A doctor can help determine what treatment choice will work.

There are two main types of drugs: antiresorptive drugs that slow the progression of bone loss and bone-building agents that help increase bone mass. Antiresorptive drugs are already widely available. Bone-building drugs are being developed by researchers and are just becoming available.

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