Osteoporosis--a forgotten disease

In summary, osteoporosis is a preventable tragedy. The tools to diagnose and treat this disease are readily available to all physicians. Our goal and maximum effort should be directed toward early screening and identification of those individuals at high risk for the development of osteoporosis pre- and peri-menopausal. Likewise, postmenopausal women should be routinely assessed for the possibility of developing this disorder. The cost savings in terms of medical dollars and patient pain and suffering cannot be overstated. Osteoporosis screening and management should be one of the main women's health issues of the 1990s.