Prevention of Osteoporosis - Osteoporosis

The prevention of osteoporosis is made up of general lifestyle preferences and other more specific treatments.

Regular and frequent activity of reasonable intensity is recommended and very helpful at all ages. No one seems to know just how exercise is too much or too little, but most physicians recommend about 30 minutes of vigorous exercise about 3 to 5 times per week.

During the growing years of adolescence and teen years, attention must be paid to dietary calcium if peak bone mass is to be achieved. Specific attention to dietary calcium intake may also be warranted beyond age 60 which may come in the form of increased food calcium or from specific calcium and vitamin D supplements.

For women at menopause, the appropriate administration of estrogen (or some of the new synthetic estrogens) is the most potent means by which bone mass may be preserved, thereby preventing fractures in the future. In fact, correction of low reproductive hormone levels at any age is important if proper bone mass is to be maintained.

There is no one treatment, or combination of treatments which can guarantee zero risk of fractures due to osteoporosis. The best prevention, however, is a life-long commitment to physical activity, good nutrition, and normal reproductive hormone status.