Is this important? At first glance, this seems to be striking news…“Compared with other osteoporosis treatments, compounds such as nitroglycerin — which deliver nitric oxide to tissues — are inexpensive, widely available, and come in many generic formulations, the researchers noted.” This is interesting, but probably not really important. As with the “standard” treatments for bone loss (bisphosphonates), the side effects profile for nitroglycerin is horrific. The people doing the study hinted at this glaring problem when they write,

“…the researchers cautioned… that the nitroglycerin ointment was difficult to tolerate; many women were not even able to start therapy and others … dropped out because of headaches.”

As is usual in reports of this kind, the information is factual, but somewhat short of complete. A headache is common and usually tolerated by most of us. But, take a look at the actual list of possible side effects from nitroglycerin;

• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when sitting up or standing; flushing of face and neck; headache; irritation at the injection site; nausea; vomiting.
• severe allergic reactions: (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• blurred vision; dry mouth; fainting; flushing;
• heavy sweating; irregular heartbeat; new or worsening chest pain;
• pale skin; pounding in the chest;  rapid heartbeat;
• severe dizziness or headache; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting;
• shortness of breath; slow heartbeat; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet;
• unusual weakness

Would you be eager to risk these kinds of problems to use a drug product that is ”…inexpensive, widely available, and come[s] in many generic formulations”? Tell me what you think in “Add comment” below.

There is a legitimate approach to bone loss – one that actually helps the body build new bone without the need for drugs. Along with modest exercise, avoiding soda pop,  and eating well, women – and men as well – can use a daily supplement of progesterone. It’s the hormone that balances estrogen and it has been demonstrated to stimulate the actions of osteoblasts – cells that make new bone.

The source is MedPage Today