Osteoporosis in relation to menopause

Abstract

With an ageing population in Singapore, it is anticipated that postmenopausal osteoporosis and related fractures will be an increasingly important health issue in the coming decades. Oestrogen replacement therapy has a long history of use to treat postmenopausal problems including osteoporosis. The availability of other potent agents such as bisphosphonates, calcitonin and selective oestrogen receptor modulators has enriched the therapeutic options. This article reviews the evidence for the choice of appropriate agents, and strategies to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.