These days, actress Sally Field's best-known role may be her work in promoting an osteoporosis medication in commercials and advertisements. However, a number of medications are available that can help women - and men, too - strengthen their bones and protect themselves from fractures.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the following medications may be suitable for different situations:

Alendronate (Fosamax) - This is a type of drug called a bisphosphonate, and it works by influencing the normal cycle of buildup and breakdown in your bones. These processes should stay balanced as your bones replace old material with new material, but they can be knocked out of kilter with menopause or aging, resulting in osteoporosis, according to the NOF. Bisphosphonates inhibit the bone loss from breakdown. Alendronate is available for preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and treating it in men. It's taken daily or weekly.

Ibandronate (Boniva) - This is another bisphosphonate for preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It's taken monthly by mouth, or four times a year by IV. Risedronate (Actonel) - Another bisphosphonate, this is for preventing and treating osteoporosis caused by different factors in women and men. It can be taken daily, weekly, every two weeks, or monthly.

Zoledronic acid (Reclast) - This bisphosophonate is for preventing and treating osteoporosis from different causes in women and men. It's taken by IV once every year or two.

Calcitonin (Fortical, Miacalcin) - This hormone, which inhibits cells that break down bone, thus slowing bone loss, is for postmenopausal women. It's available as a daily nasal spray or as an injection.

Estrogen - This hormone, alone or with progesterone, can protect postmenopausal women from osteoporosis, though due to possible health risks it's not the preferred medication for osteoporosis.

Raloxifene (Evista) - This medication, which is intended to provide the benefits of estrogen without its potential risks, improves bone density. It's taken as a daily tablet.

Teriparatide (Forteo) - This is a type of parathyroid hormone that boosts bone formation, making it a unique medication for osteoporosis. It's given as a daily injection and is available for women and men.

It's worth noting that bisphosphonates have been linked to pain in the bones, joints, and muscles. The NOF also warns that bisphosphonates have rarely been associated with a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with osteoporosis. If you're taking a bisphosphonate, discuss it with your dentist before you have a dental procedure.

Learn more about screening for osteoporosis

SCHEDULE A SCREENING