News in post-menopausal osteoporosis treatment

Abstract:

Aging is the main reason for the development of osteoporosis, along with a lack of estrogen, which accelerates the bone remodeling process and leads to bone loss. Therapy of osteoporosis is aimed to reduce bone loss, and consists of general measures and specific pharmacological therapy. In post-menopausal women, preventive measures include adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through diet or supplementation, appropriate physical activity, smoking cessation, and reduction of excessive alcohol consumption. These measures are particularly indicated in patients who take any bone loss enhancing medication, such as glucocorticoids, cytotoxic drugs (chemotherapy), anticonvulsants and immunosuppressants. In addition to the mentioned measures, patients with osteoporosis and high risk for bone fracture should take specific therapy. Along with existing medications, several potential agents that are considered to be beneficial to enhance bone mass, such as sclerostin inhibitors (romosozumab), are currently being investigated.

Key words:
aging; menopause; osteoporosis; prevention; therapy