If you're seeing multiple specialists to cover your healthcare needs, make sure to always be up front about the medications you are taking because numerous drugs can result in bone loss. "The one that most often comes to mind is steroids for people with chronic lung disease and asthma," says Dr. Lewiecki. "That has devastating effects on bones." Other medications that are bad for bones includes antiandrogens for prostate cancer, aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer, certain anti-seizure medications, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression.
It's not always possible to stop taking these medications, so it's vital to monitor your other potentially bone-harming habits, and work with your healthcare provider to determine the lowest possible drug dose you can take to control your symptoms. Bone density tests are also available if you're concerned about your bone health, Dr. Lewiecki says. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that all men over the age of 70 get a bone density test. You should also get the test if you broke a bone after the age of 50, or if you have risk factors – such as smoking, living an inactive lifestyle, or having a family history of osteoporosis – and are between the ages of 50 and 69.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
