Postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem, particularly for the postmenopausal woman. With the withdrawal of estrogen at menopause, bone resorption begins to exceed formation in remodeling cycles and bone mass is inexorably lost. Clearly, preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis is the aim of management. Individuals with risk factors for developing this condition should have noninvasive bone density determination and should be considered for preventive regimens. Therapeutic options for prevention include calcium, estrogen, and exercise. Once osteoporosis is established, therapeutic options may include those listed previously as well as fluoride and other modalities currently under investigation.