New Drug for Treating Osteoporosis in Menopause
New bone-building drug to treat osteoporosis & menopause
Osteoporosis affects over three million people in the UK, with women being more commonly affected. After menopause, the drop in oestrogen weakens bones and speeds up bone loss, raising the risk for women. Over one in three women will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.
Bones, made up of cells and blood vessels that help them grow and repair, are measured for strength by bone density. Debilitating osteoporosis, which weakens bones and reduces bone density, often develops slowly and might not be noticed until a fracture occurs.
Current osteoporosis treatments for high-risk postmenopausal individuals include romosozumab or teriparatide, and bisphosphonates. These can sometimes cause side effects like indigestion and heartburn meanign nbot
But there’s good news! A new bone-strengthening drug called Abaloparatide is on the horizon. The medicines watchdog National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended it for postmenopausal women, trans men, and non-binary individuals at high risk of fractures. It’ll be available on the NHS within the next three months, providing another promising option to help protect and strengthen bones.
How could Abaloparatide benefit menopausal women?
Enhanced Bone Protection: Abaloparatide offers a new solution for postmenopausal women to protect against osteoporosis, significantly reducing the increased fracture risk by increasing bone density through the stimulation of cells that create new bone.
Alternative Treatment Option: This drug provides an alternative for women who haven't responded well to or cannot tolerate existing osteoporosis treatments, offering more individualised management options and widening the choice for effective care.
Easily administered: Via a daily pre-filled self-administered pen injection.
Well-Tolerated: Dr Nicky Peel, a clinical trustee at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, says that it is "a very well-tolerated treatment" for most people at high risk of bone fractures, though some mild side effects may occur early in the treatment.
Targeted for High-Risk Individuals: Doctors will have the option to prescribe Abaloparatide to those at high risk of fractures, ensuring that the women who need it most receive the necessary treatment to support their bone health.
How to keep bones strong during menopause?
Developing new menopause treatments is important, but individuals can also take steps on their own to manage their own bone health, by:
Taking Vitamin D supplements: Your body can’t produce enough of this ‘sunshine vitamin’, especially in winter when you get less sunlight.
Engaging in weight-bearing activities: Strengthen bones with stair climbing, skipping, star jumps, and planking to improve strength and stability.
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol: These can increase your risk of osteoporosis.
Ensuring diet supports bone health: Follow a diet rich in calcium:
Discussing MHT (previously HRT) with your GP: Consider if it might be appropriate for you.
Get more information from the Royal Osteoporosis Society on why exercise is important, how it helps, and what specific exercises are best for keeping bones strong and healthy.
August 2024
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