Treating osteoporosis without hormones

For many years hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. When the news broke in May 2002 that combination hormone replacement therapy had more risks than benefits, the questioning began: "What can I use instead of hormones? Will my bones just turn brittle now, and break?" The discussion in this article identifies some of the approved pharmaceutical alternatives. However, an effective therapy for many women would be increased exercise, proper diet, and other lifestyle changes. Making these lifestyle changes late is better than not at all! But starting early in life is best.