Management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, reduction in quality of life, and increasing health care costs. It is estimated that 1.5 million women in the United States have one or more osteoporosis-related fractures annually. Fractures may occur at any site, but vertebral fractures are the most common. Longitudinal studies have demonstrated a decreased life expectancy associated with both vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. Once an initial fracture occurs, there is a fivefold increased risk of a second fracture within 1 year. The management of osteoporosis today incorporates multiple modalities of therapy. In addition to early detection, patient education, exercise, and nutritional supplementation, multiple therapeutic agents should be implemented early in an attempt to prevent initial and subsequent fractures. This article reviews currently approved modalities of therapy for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.