Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a major public health concern characterised by rapid loss of bone mineral density due to estrogen deficiency, leading to increased risk of fragility fractures. This article reviews current clinical strategies for the prevention and treatment of the condition in postmenopausal women. Primary prevention discusses lifestyle modification, including adequate dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise and cessation of smoking and excess alcohol consumption. For women at elevated fracture risk, pharmacological interventions are essential. Therapies include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bisphosphonates, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS) and RANKL inhibitors like denosumab, which function as antiresorptive agents to slow bone breakdown. For those with high fracture history, anabolic agents such as teriparatide or romozosumab are utilised. Early identification via personalised risk assessment, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) screening and treatment where indicated is essential. Combining adjunctive lifestyle modification with pharmacological intervention offers a framework to maintain skeletal health, preserve independence and enhance long-term quality of life post menopause.