As a postmenopausal woman, it is important to be aware that you are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than you were previously. While there is not yet a cure for the disease, numerous treatment options exist, which include but are not limited to, hormone replacement therapy and other medications. Therefore, if you're concerned about the thinning of your bones and you want to do everything that you can to minimize the risk of fracture,  it's imperative to speak with your physician about treatment options.   

Considering Hormone Replacement Therapy

Prescription medications are often the first line of defense that your doctor might suggest. One of the most common options is HRT, which is also known as hormone replacement therapy. You might be advised to take estrogen by itself or combine it with progestin, in order to more closely mimic the hormone levels your body produced naturally prior to menopause.  

However, it is important to note that the use of hormone replacement therapy can put you at a higher risk of developing new health problems, such as strokes, breast cancer, and heart attacks. Your physician may be able to suggest ways to minimize those risks and the risks of HRT should be weighed against the benefits they provide when creating a treatment plan for your postmenopausal osteoporosis. Unfortunately, not treating your thinning bones makes you much more likely to become disabled due to repeated fractures and the damage could even hasten your death. 

Opting For Other Prescription Medications

If you are not a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy or if the damage to your bones is already making life difficult for you, your physician may prescribe other medications. For example, one option is the use of bisphosphonates. That family of drugs works by keeping your body from breaking down the bone as it normally would with that disease. Side effects can include esophageal or chest pain, as well as trouble swallowing.   

Another option that might be suggested is anabolics. They work by increasing the amount of new bone that your body produces and is an artificial version of a hormone that your body produces naturally.  It is given as a shot once each day, but you cannot take it for more than two years total. Therefore, you and your doctor will need to assess your condition closely so that you can be sure you take it at a point where you will get the maximum benefit from it over the next 24 months.      

In conclusion, postmenopausal osteoporosis puts you at a much higher risk of bone fracture, which in some instances can lead to permanent mobility challenges or even death. As a result, it's best to see your physician as soon as possible to determine which of the above treatments will be the most appropriate way to safeguard your bones.