Osteoporosis treatment

At your appointment, your MinuteClinic provider will evaluate your medical history and recommend any necessary lab testing. They can also perform a physical exam and recommend osteoporosis treatment guidelines for you to follow. If additional tests or evaluations are needed, your provider may refer you to a specialist.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Osteoporosis is caused by a reduction in bone density. This typically occurs as we age and the production of hormones such as estrogen or testosterone starts to slow down. For most adults, bone density usually peaks around 30 years old. After that, the rate of bone mass regeneration begins to slow down. You have osteoporosis when your bones density reduces to the point of making your bones fragile.

Treatment for osteoporosis will depend on your symptoms, risk factors and degree of bone loss, but the different treatment options include:

• Medications: Bisphosphonates are the most common type of medication recommended for treating osteoporosis. Research has shown that these medications work to prevent bone loss and reduce fracture risk.
• Hormone-related therapy: This treatment is for menopausal people who have low estrogen levels. It helps them maintain their bone density.
• Denosumab injections: This treatment is given by injection every 6 months to help maintain healthy bone density levels and reduce the risk of fractures.

Most osteoporosis treatments come with at least some risk of side effects:

• General medications and bisphosphonates: These can come with nausea, abdominal pain and symptoms related to heartburn. Bisphosphonates can cause a break or crack in the middle of the thighbone, as well as create jawbone complications.
• Hormone-related therapy: This can result in hot flashes and an increased risk of blood clots.
• Denosumab: This can come with similar side effects, with the risk of spinal column fractures if treatments end abruptly.

There are some lifestyle choices that you can make to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis and maintain healthy bone mass levels, including:

• Regular exercise
• Limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption

However, if you already have osteoporosis and take prescription medication, it's important to take your medication exactly as directed. Doing so helps you maintain healthy bone density levels. This is in addition to any lifestyle changes you make. It’s also important to reduce your fall risk by installing handrails around your home and wearing non-slip footwear.

If you have osteoporosis and are interested in receiving treatment, consider booking an in-person clinic visit at your local MinuteClinic. You can also schedule an osteoporosis treatment visit if you think you may have osteoporosis and would like to receive an evaluation.