Therapeutic options: an evidence-based approach to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

Since the early interruption of the HRT arm of the Women's Health Initiative, many women and their physicians have elected to discontinue their treatment with estrogen and progesterone. These patients are at high risk for rapid bone loss and should have their bone mineral density evaluated soon after the discontinuation of estrogen. Patients found to have low bone density should be offered treatment to prevent fractures. When choosing a therapy, we should use an evidence-based approach, relying on the results of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.