Types of Osteoporosis

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There are two primary types of osteoporosis, and both strains of the disease occur most frequently in females. In fact, older women are at risk for experiencing both kinds of osteoporosis simultaneously. While a healthy diet and exercise are the best weapons for combating the disease, there are many prescription drugs available that can slow bone loss. Diligently taking treatment drugs and living a healthy lifestyle can even have the effect of reversing osteoporosis; however, before your doctor writes you a prescription, he or she must first diagnose which types of osteoporosis the patient may have in order to properly determine which prescription drugs will work best.

Primary Types of Osteoporosis

Type I

Women who have gone through menopause may experience an excess of bone resorption within their bodies. Bone resorption is a normal process that occurs during the body's bone remodeling process. A large depreciation of estrogen levels within the female body can spur this increase in bone resorption, leading to weakened bones. This is classified as type I osteoporosis and occurs in 5% to 20% of women.

Type II

Type II osteoporosis (or senile osteoporosis) is also more common among women than men. Women above the age of 70 are particularly at risk for this condition. Both types of osteoporosis involve an abnormal occurrence of the bone remodeling process, where by the rate of bone resorption greatly exceeds the rate of new bone formation. What is also unique to type II osteoporosis is the body's improper reaction to vitamin D -- either the body ceases to produce sufficient amounts of it, or it is unable to use the bone-strengthening substance properly. Fortunately, there are a number of prescription drugs on the market that have proven to successfully slow, stop, or even reverse these potentially harmful effects.

Secondary Osteoporosis

In addition to the primary types of osteoporosis, there is a secondary strain that is actually caused by factors that are otherwise unrelated to the disease. Having a hormonal imbalance, or suffering from unrelated diseases, can lead to secondary osteoporosis. Additionally, taking certain prescription drugs to treat other diseases, such as corticosteroids and anti-seizure drugs, can also lead to this secondary type of osteoporosis. Those of an advanced age, especially women, should be aware of any osteoporosis-causing side effects that their prescription drugs may contain, and seek out the advice of their doctor when seeking alternative drugs. Thankfully, this is a rare form of the disease that accounts for less than 5% of all types of osteoporosis.