Women's health

Osteoporosis is disease that leads to embrittlement of bones that occurs as a result of reduction in density, as well as changes in the structure of bones. Every other woman and every fifth man is at risk of experiencing a fracture caused by osteoporosis. Small injuries, which in healthy young person would not lead to fractures, often lead to fractures of the hip, spine, or forearm in people with osteoporosis. In women, osteoporosis occurs at menopause, so it is called postmenopausal osteoporosis. During menopause, woman's ovaries cease to produce estrogen, which protects the bones. This initiates the process of rapid bone loss.

Fortunately, you can take certain steps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and prevent serious fractures that occur as a result of this disease.

Treatment of osteoporosis

For the treatment of osteoporosis there are medicines that can help make your bones become stronger and thus reduce the risk of fractures. It is important to take medicines regularly and be careful not to fall!

Osteoporosis is treated with bisphosphonates - drugs that represent the golden standard for the treatment of osteoporosis. They are non-hormonal drugs and act by reducing bone resorption. They lead to increase in bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. One can choose between drugs which are dosed once a day, once a week or once a month. It is necessary to take additional calcium and vitamin D with the bisphosphonates to complete their effect.

Treatment of osteoporosis includes:

• bisphosphonate: alendronic acid weekly (Fosamax T) or ibandronic acid monthly (Alvodronic, Bonviva, Boniva)
• Vitamin D - calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or cholecalciferol (Plivit D3) daily
• calcium - calcium carbonate daily (Calcium Lek, Kalcijum Karbonat, Ascocid, Citracal)
• in our pharmacy we offer a combination of calcium and vitamin D: calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol (Calcimonta)
• exercising (walking, dancing, brisk walking)

It is important to remember

• change your lifestyle
• regularly take medicines for osteoporosis
• exercise daily
• take calcium and vitamin D daily

Tips for stronger bones and prevention of falls

• take required daily amount of calcium and vitamin D together with your medicines
• exercise 3-4 times a week for 30-40 minutes
• eat healthy
• stop smoking
• remove small rugs and carpets from the floors in your home (it's easy to slip)
• try to wear flat shoes with rubber soles
• if you are feeling unsteady, consult your doctor for use of a walking stick or aids
• put a rubber base and, if possible, armrests in the bath
• highlight the stairs and use the nightlight
• regularly check the eyesight and wear glasses as recommended by a doctor