Contents
Could Your Meds Be Weakening Your Bones?
Published: Oct 27, 2023
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is a sneaky side effect of certain medications that many people aren't aware of. Learn how these drugs impact your bone health and what you can do about it.
How Glucocorticoids Affect Bones
Glucocorticoids, often prescribed for various conditions, can lead to significant bone loss. They work by increasing the activity of cells that break down bone while reducing the cells that build it. This imbalance leads to weakened bones, making fractures more likely, even at higher bone density levels than typical osteoporosis.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone taking glucocorticoids, even at low doses, is at risk, but the likelihood increases with age, higher dosages, and longer treatment durations. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, for which glucocorticoids are often prescribed, can also contribute to bone loss, further complicating the risk.
Recognizing the Signs
Most people with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis won't show symptoms until a fracture occurs, often in the spine. These fractures might happen without any noticeable trauma, making them easy to miss until an X-ray reveals the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are medications used to treat inflammation but can weaken bones.
Anyone taking glucocorticoids should monitor their bone health.
The most significant bone loss happens in the first few months of use.
Yes, fractures are a common risk, even with mild bone density changes.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the risks associated with glucocorticoids is crucial for maintaining healthy bones.
References
- van Staa TP, Leufkens HG, Cooper C. The epidemiology of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis: a meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int 2002; 13:777.
- Manolagas SC, Weinstein RS. New developments in the pathogenesis and treatment of steroid-induced osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res 1999; 14:1061.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?