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Contents
  • How Glucocorticoids Affect Bones
  • Who Is at Risk?
  • Recognizing the Signs

Could Your Meds Be Weakening Your Bones?

Could Your Meds Be Weakening Your Bones?

What's This About?

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.
Contents
  • How Glucocorticoids Affect Bones
  • Who Is at Risk?
  • Recognizing the Signs

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.
A condition where prolonged use of glucocorticoid medications leads to decreased bone density and increased fracture 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.

FAQs

What are glucocorticoids?

They are medications used to treat inflammation but can weaken bones.

Who should be concerned about bone health?

Anyone taking glucocorticoids should monitor their bone health.

How quickly can bone loss occur?

The most significant bone loss happens in the first few months of use.

Are fractures common with these medications?

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.
Concerned about your bone health? Talk to Doctronic today about assessing your risks!
Additional References
  1. van Staa TP, Leufkens HG, Cooper C. The epidemiology of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis: a meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int 2002; 13:777.
  2. 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.