An overview of the management of osteoporosis in the aging female population

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease that is a cause of morbidity and mortality. It can affect all ages but most frequently postmenopausal women. It is a silent condition, however, osteoporotic fractures can lead to significant pain and disability. In this review article, we aim to review the clinical approach to the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. We include risk assessment, investigations, and the various pharmacological and non-pharmacological options used in the treatment of osteoporosis. We have discussed the pharmacological options individually including their mechanism of action, safety profile, effects on bone mineral density and fracture risks, and duration of use. Potential new treatments are also discussed. The importance of sequence in the use of osteoporotic medicine is also highlighted in the article. An understanding of the different treatment options will hopefully help in the management of this very common and debilitating condition.