If you are going through menopause, you are likely experiencing different symptoms, such as hot flashes, insomnia, etc. Because menopause causes your estrogen levels to drop dramatically, you can be at risk for osteoporosis. Estrogen protects bone tissue, so when this hormone decreases, your bones can become weaker and more brittle. If other therapies don't help osteoporosis, patients may want to try an abaloparatide injection to treat osteoporosis. Read on to learn more about this therapy.
What Are Abaloparatide Injections?
Abaloparatide is a synthetic peptide that imitates the body's natural parathyroid hormone-related peptides. Peptides are short strings of amino acids, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein. You may have heard of peptides, as some of these chemicals are used in health and fitness products to help athletes build muscle and increase energy.
Abaloparatide is a peptide that's used to promote bone growth and bone healing. In fact, one study showed that patients who took abaloparatide saw an increase in bone mass and bone mineral density. This study also showed a decreased risk of both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in patients who took abaloparatide compared to the placebo group.
Who Is a Good Candidate for These Injections?
Every woman is different; some women don't have any trouble after menopause while others may have severe osteoporosis. While you'll want to talk with your doctor about your options, abaloparatide injections are usually used for women who have had a bone fracture or who are at a high risk for fracture. These injections can also be indicated for patients who have not had success with other therapies or who are intolerant to other therapy medications.
How Do You Use These Injections?
Usually, abaloparatide is taken daily with a pen through a needle injection. You can take an injection with or without food, but this medication may interact with other supplements and medications, so again, you'll want to consult with your doctor beforehand.
You'll need to inject the medication into skin on your lower stomach. These injections have thin needles that are about the length and width of an eyelash, so they shouldn't be painful.
Are There Any Side Effects?
As you get used to the medication, you may experience fatigue, dizziness, or headaches. These symptoms should go away as you adapt to the medication. Some people may develop swelling or a rash at the injection site, but again, these symptoms should fade unless you have an allergy or sensitivity to the medication. Your doctor can go over all the side effects with you, as you don't want to continue with the medication if it's not a good fit or if your symptoms get worse.
Reach out to a medical professional in your area today for more information.