What is your opinion of Bisphosphonates?

by Shelly
(Colorado )

Hi Sue Anne, I am in my late 40s and so far have not had any problems with bone density.

But, it seems like more and more bone density medicines are being prescribed for women my age and older. These medicines make bones harder but seem to come with quite a few side effects and stay in your system for a very long time.

I hope to avoid taking them. What is your opinion of Bisphosphonates?

thanks,
Shelly

Sue-Anne's Reply:
Many people think of bone as a static, solid mass, but in actual fact it is a substance that is living and constantly changing. Osteoblasts are the cells that build up new bone material and osteoclasts are the cells that break down the old, dead bone cells and remove it.

Bisphosphonates like Fosamax, prevent osteoclasts from breaking down the old, dead bone cells. The pharmaceutical industry has found a way to improve the numbers on bone density tests, but at what price? With long term use the bones are now made of old, brittle, bone cells. About 5 years later fracture risk is much higher and it is very difficult for these fractures to heal.

Many dentists refuse to do dental work on people taking these drugs as another side effect is osteonecrosis of the jaw, in which the bone in the jaw begins to disintegrate. All medications have serious side effects. For more information on how to improve bone health naturally, see my pages on Natural Osteoporosis Treatment.