I've never been one to take pills. Now my doctor wants me to take a drug to prevent osteoporosis. Is this really necessary? I'm 66 years old and in perfect health.
Doctors do not usually recommend prophylactic (preventive) treatment for osteoporosis unless there are sufficient risk factors and evidence of a possible problem. Anyone who has osteopenia (mild loss of bone density) is at risk for full-blown osteoporosis. Preventive care is often recommended in such cases.
Post-menopausal women with a low T-score who smoke or drink more than two alcoholic drinks each day are at increased risk. Previous health history is also important. A history of rheumatoid arthritis or previous history of hip fracture are key risk factors. Past or current use of steroids is another risk factor.
The risk of hip fractures from osteoporosis in older women is very real and can cause serious loss of function and disability. Over two million fractures related to osteoporosis occurred last year alone. Don't become a statistic. Find out more about your done mineral density and risk factors. There is strong support for preventive measures in anyone with low bone density and/or significant risk factors.
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