Postmenopausal osteoporosis: clinical aspects

Authors

  • Madhucar Talaulicar Head Physician, retired, Diabetes Centre, Bad Lauterberg, Germany

Keywords:

osteoporosis, bone mineral density, bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D, raloxifene, calcitonin, teriparatide

Abstract

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a highly prevalent worldwide
skeletal disease. It is characterized by low bone mass, leading
to extensive bone fragility. Osteoporosis diagnosis is made on
the basis of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray
absorptiometry (DXA). The major complications are fractures. The
prevention and treatment of osteoporosis are aimed at reducing
substantially the fractures. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may slow the rate of bone loss or mildly increase BMD.
Bisphosphonates are currently the most used drugs, they reduce
osteoclast activity and are potent inhibitors of bone resorption.
Strontium ranelate is an alternative to bisphosphonates. Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, prevents bone
loss, like estrogen, but probably without prejudicial side effects
of estrogen. Estrogen alone, or in combination with progesteron,
is now seldom used. Calcitonin, a peptide produced by thyroid C
cells, inhibits bone resorption, but its clinical efficacy is moderate.
Teriparatide, a parathyroid hormone analogue, is an potent bone
anabolic agent that increases bone formation; however, this
medication is reserved for severe cases. Balanced nutrition with
adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, physical activity and loadbearing exercise seem to be effective in maintaining or increasing
BMD. Also, it is necessary to instruct the patients, concerning the
prevention of osteoporotic fractures.

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Additional Files

Published

2010-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Talaulicar M. Postmenopausal osteoporosis: clinical aspects . RPMI [Internet]. 2010 Sep. 30 [cited 2024 Dec. 18];17(3):179-86. Available from: https://revista.spmi.pt/index.php/rpmi/article/view/1218

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Section

Review Articles