CONSENSUS VIEWPOINT ON THE TREATMENT OF POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS

Treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis should be offered to those w ith a history of fractures following minimal trauma or with a bone den sity significantly below the range seen in young normal adults. Underl ying diseases contributing to the reduced bone density should be sough t and treated appropriately. Lifestyle issues such as smoking, alcohol intake and exercise should be addressed. A calcium intake of at least 1.5 g/day should be achieved. Hormone replacement therapy is the firs t line pharmacological intervention. The bisphosphonates provide a sat isfactory alternative for those unable or unwilling to take hormone re placement therapy.