Osteoporosis Medications
Medical Author:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Kristine M Lohr, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Lee P Shulman, MD
What Is Osteoporosis?Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue that leads to weak and fragile bones. |
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Osteoporosis Medications
Introduction
Although bones may seem like hard and lifeless structures, bones are living tissues that are like muscle. Bones respond to exercise and a healthy diet by becoming stronger. Bones make up our skeletons and provide structure and support for our bodies. However, bones are more than that; they also act like a storehouse for minerals that our bodies need, such as calcium. During a person's lifetime, the body constantly breaks down old bone (through a process called resorption) and builds up new bone. Any time old bone is broken down faster than new bone is made, net bone loss occurs. Bone loss can lead to low bone density (osteopenia), weakness of the bone, and eventually osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and fragile. Porous bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can pro...
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Osteoporosis: Treatment & Medication »
Osteoporosis is typically asymptomatic until a fracture occurs.
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