Prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone strength and increased risk for fractures. Fragility fractures are associated with serious clinical consequences, including chronic pain, skeletal deformities, loss of independence, and increased mortality. Although osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and undertreated, many who are treated take medication incorrectly or do not continue it long enough to benefit. Measures to prevent osteoporosis include a healthy lifestyle, with regular physical activity, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, and avoidance of cigarette smoking and excess alcohol. Patients at risk for osteoporosis can be diagnosed with a simple bone density test before the first fracture occurs. Pharmacologic agents for patients at high risk for fracture can reduce the burden of osteoporotic fractures.