When long-term Fosamax users raised their concerns about the drug to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many people think twice on taking the drug or other bisphosphonates. Some of them resorted to alternative treatments for their bone disease. Furthermore, researchers are trying to discover possible new treatment for osteoporosis.

Because of the many factors that may lead to osteoporosis, as many as 10 million Americans are already diagnosed with the said illness and 34 million more at risk. Hormonal changes contribute largely to the development of this disease. By learning this, we might be able to determine our risk for developing this brittle bone illness and find different ways to treat it.

Osteoporosis is commonly caused by the reduction of certain hormones due to aging. Women at the menopausal stage produce less estrogen while men aging 70 onwards produce less testosterone than those who are not. Among the functions of estrogen are reducing bone resorption while increasing bone formation. Testosterone, on the other hand increases bone density.

Parathyroid glands release parathyroid hormones (PTH) which are largely in charge for the transfer of calcium from the bones to the blood. Overproduction of PTH, like in the case of hyperparathyroidism, is likely to cause osteoporosis.

Bones may become weak and brittle if condition like hyperthyroidism is left without treatment. The strength of your bones rely on the amount of calcium and other minerals stored in them. Excessive amounts of thyroid hormone alters your body’s ability to deposit calcium into your bones.

Without having a clear explanation, patients with diabetes, type 1 in particular, seem to lose bone mass at a fast rate making them prone to osteoporosis. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by either a decrease in production of insulin or a resistance of the body towards the hormone insulin. Regular check of your bone density therefore, is important if you are diagnosed with diabetes.

By learning the hormonal aspects that can lead to the development of the disease, you can get a general picture on how osteoporosis can be managed. According to recent news, Fosamax, the most widely recommended treatment for osteoporosis, is accused for bringing serious adverse effects including a low-impact femur fracture triggering harmed individuals to file a Fosamax lawsuit. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options for your osteoporosis.