Pauline M. Camacho MD, FACE

Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Loyola University Osteoporosis Metabolic Bone Disease Center

Loyola University Medical Center

Maywood, IL

Dr. Camacho is a member of the EndocrineWeb Editorial Board.
She is a Senior Editor and oversees the osteoporosis section of EndocrineWeb.

EndocrineWeb.com Articles by Pauline M. Camacho MD, FACE

Estrogen Replacement Therapy for Osteoporosis

Estrogen replacement therapy was once the only approved treatment for osteoporosis. This treatment is for post-menopausal women who are prone to osteoporosis-related fractures because of a drop in estrogen. There are risks that must be considered.

Osteoporosis Exercise

Just as exercise strengthens muscles, it also strengthens bones. Building strong bones and maintaining them as an adult will help prevent against osteoporosis-related fractures later on. Article overviews exercises that prevent against osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Drugs and Medications

There are many FDA-approved medications that will help treat existing osteoporosis or prevent the condition if you haven’t been diagnosed. There are 2 groups of medications—antiresorptives and anabolics. The article overviews drugs in each group.

Bracing: An Osteoporosis Treatment Option

Braces help treat osteoporosis-related spinal fractures. They are typically worn for a short period of time because they may prevent you from strengthening your bones. You may also wear a cast or splint if you have a simple wrist fracture.

The Role of Calcium and Vitamin D in Bone Health

Calcium and vitamin D are nutrients that help protect you from osteoporosis. Calcium helps build strong bones, while vitamin D ensures that your body effectively absorbs calcium. This overview has daily intake information for calcium and vitamin D.

Osteoporosis Symptoms

Osteoporosis is known as the silent disease because there are no apparent early symptoms. Often, a broken bone is the first indication that you have the disease. You may also experience a loss in height and a hunched back in the advanced stages.

Osteoporosis Causes

Osteoporosis does not have a single cause. Lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, certainly affect your chances of developing the disease. Biological factors, including low sex hormones and pre-existing conditions can also cause osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Complications

Fractures are the primary complication associated with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis-related fractures typically occur in the wrist, spine, and hips, though any bone can be affected. Spinal compression fractures are especially serious.

Osteoporosis Overview

Osteoporosis is a disorder caused by a loss of bone density. When your bones become weak, they become prone to painful fractures. Osteoporosis affects millions of Americans—both men and women—but it is preventable with healthy lifestyle choices.

Osteoporosis Prevention

There are ways you can prevent osteoporosis, such as exercise, a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and cutting out smoking. While these measures help promote healthy bones, they do not guarantee against developing osteoporosis.

Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis

Physical therapy may help you successfully recover from an osteoporosis-related fracture. Exercises that build bone strength, along with techniques that improve posture and balance, are often preferred methods if you have osteoporosis.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis has many risk factors. Some are unavoidable—such as age or a family history of the disease. But there are some risk factors that you do have control over, including eating a nutrient-rich diet and being active.

Surgery for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis-related fractures usually occur in the hip, spine, and/or wrist. Not all fractures require surgery, but serious ones often do. This article explains the different surgical options for hip, spine, and wrist fractures.