Our eighth step concerns the incorporation of specialized pharmaceutical
therapies as necessary. While everyone will benefit from our life-supporting
nutrition and lifestyle program, some people will need, or want,
to include pharmaceutical agents proven to reduce bone turnover
and reduce fracture risk.
Historically estrogen therapy was the most commonly used drug
approach to osteoporosis. Today, however, it is wise to consider
moving away from estrogen replacement therapy due to the risks
associated with its use. In our book Better Bones, Better Body
we dedicated a full chapter, to summarizing the risks of estrogen
therapy. Results of the recent Women's Health Initiative confirm
our findings. This large-scale study using hormone replacement
therapy for osteoporosis was, in fact, prematurely halted when
it was observed that the risks of hormone therapy outweighed any
possible benefits.
For those who seek osteoporosis drug therapy, a number of drugs
limit bone breakdown and reduce fracture risk somewhat. These,
including the bisphosphonates Fosomax, and Actonel, the selective
estrogen receptive Estiva , the thyroid hormone, Miacalcin the
new parathyroid hormone treatment Forteo, and others.
As an aside we would also mention that Isoflavones also modestly
support bone health. We, however, do not endorse the use of more
than 50 mgs of soy isoflavones (Genistein, Diazian) given potential
risks. Quercitin is another natural isoflavone which may also
be a safe and effective bone-building agent. We at the Osteoporosis
Education Project are seeking funding for a pilot study to further
research the bone-building potential of Quercitin. Ipriflavone
is a synthetic isoflavone available as a nutrient supplement in
the U.S., which has certain benefits and drawbacks. If you are
considering using ipriflavone see our analysis and discussion
of ipriflavone.
Related Links: Ipriflavone
Extracted from our book, Better
Bones Better Body (Keats 2000) by our Director, Susan E. Brown,
Ph.D., CCN
