Ideally, calcium supplements should be taken with foods, at intervals throughout the day. Women with a history of kidney stones should check with their physician before taking supplemental calcium. Vitamin D is an important factor in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis because it allows calcium to be metabolized by the body. Excessive amounts of vitamin D may lead to toxic side-effects like kidney stones. Exercise , particularly that which is weight-bearing or works the body against gravity, helps to build the body's bone mass reserve during developmental years and to maintain strong bones in later years.
Many exercises also improve flexibility and coordination, needed to avoid injuries or falls.
A woman who has been inactive for many years or who because of age or risk factors is likely to be osteoporotic should consult her physician before beginning a new exercise regimen. ERT may be especially beneficial for women experiencing menopause due to surgery or early onset by extending their body's ability to replenish and maintain bone reserves during formative years. Definitive evidence is still not available regarding estrogen's association with breast cancer, although some studies have found a slightly higher incidence in women taking estrogen for more than 10 to 15 years. Calcitonin is a natural hormone found in human thyroid tissue and some animals. Injection of a synthetic salmon fish calcitonin can reduce bone loss as well as relieve pain associated with some forms of osteoporosis.