Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to slow its progress. Experts recommend 1,000 mg of calcium a day for women on estrogen replacement therapy, and 1,500 for those women who are not. While exercise is good for someone with osteoporosis, it should not put any sudden or excessive strain on your bones. It's important to minimize your chances of breaking a bone. Care should be taken when lifting heavy objects, and steps should be taken to prevent falls.
Physicians often prescribe estrogen replacement therapy for women at menopause.
They also prescribe calcitonin, especially for women who choose not to take estrogen. Calcitonin helps slow bone loss and increase bone density, as do bisphosphonates, which have been shown to decrease the risk of fractures at both the hip and spine.