An expanding landscape. Osteoporosis. Treatment options today.

Choices for osteoporosis therapy have expanded within the past 5 years. This article provides an overview of currently available therapy options. Exogenous estrogen can prevent and treat osteoporosis and is available in several delivery routes. Calcitonin is also designed to reduce bone loss in osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates such as alendronate prevent bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclasts and causing increased osteoclast cell death. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator and is the newest osteoporosis medication on the market. It may also have beneficial effects on breast cancer risk. All postmenopausal women should obtain 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg of calcium and 400 IU to 800 IU of vitamin D every day--regardless of any prescription therapy regimen for osteoporosis. They should also perform weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, for 20 to 30 minutes every day or for 1 hour three times a week.