New therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis

The ideal treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis should be both safe and efficacious in preventing vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, including hip fractures. Treatment selection may vary depending on the age of the woman and the presence or absence of menopausal symptoms. A critical part of any osteoporosis management strategy is maintaining adequate 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and calcium intakes, either through diet or supplementation. This is particularly important in elderly women, many of whom may have limited exposure to sunlight and inadequate nutrition. Vitamin D deficiency should be corrected before patients are given intravenous bisphosphonates to avoid hypocalcaemia. Increasing weight-bearing exercise is also important.