THE LATEST TREATMENT FOR OSTEOPOROSIS
Report #7027; 2/19/97
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that estrogen strengthens bones, even when started many year after a woman enters the menopause.
Until recently, all women could expect to suffer from osteoporosis if they live long enough. Now there are many different medications to help prevent that condition. A woman's bones are strongest when she is 20 and she loses bone for the rest of her life. When she reaches the menopause, her rate of bone loss increases 3 to 5 fold. Most doctors recommend that a woman start estrogen as soon as her FSH blood test rises, a sign that she is starting the menopause. Progesterone also strengthens bones. Several recent studies show that taking each day 10 mgs of alendronate, brand name Fosamax, for many years helps to strengthen bones. A nasal spray containing calcitonin has also been approved to strengthen bones. Combining all four: estrogen, progesterone, alendronate and calcitonin strengthens bones more than taking just three of these medications. Male hormones also strengthen bones, especially when combined with estrogen (Estratest). An added benefit for some women is that male hormones also increases sexual desire, strength and assertiveness. Another male-like hormone called tibilone, has been used in many countries, other than the United States, to strengthen bones. It appears to be safe and does not cause women to grow hair on their faces or bodies. Many drugs are available to help prevent and treat osteoporosis.
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D., for CBS Radio News
1) Schneider DL, Barrett-Connor E, Morton DJ. Timing of postmenopausal estrogen for optimal bone mineral density. JAMA 1997 (Feb 19); 277(7): 543-547.
2) SL Greenspan, S Holland, L Maitlandramsey, M Poku, A Freeman, WY Yuan, U Kher, B Gertz. Alendronate stimulation of nocturnal parathyroid hormone secretion: A mechanism to explain the continued improvement in bone mineral density accompanying alendronate therapy. Proceedings of the Association of American Physicians. 108: 3 (MAY 1996): 230-238.
3) T Saarto, C Blomqvist, M Valimaki, P Makela, S Sarna, I Elomaa. Clodronate improves bone mineral density in postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant antioestrogens. British Journal of Cancer 75: 4 (1997): 602-605.
Health Reports from The Dr. Gabe Mirkin Show and DrMirkin.com