[Prevention of osteoporosis. Review of recent literature]

A review of papers issued in the last 2 years concerning the menopausal osteoporosis is given. The quantitative computed tomography proves a spinal mineral bone loss during the first 6 months after oophorectomy. During the 6 years following menopause there is a high turnover, afterwards a low turnover of bone demineralisation. Experiences taken from different treatments are compared. In their sixties, 25% of Caucasian women have spinal compression fractures. The socio-economic aspects of increasing bone fractures of elderly women must be considered, too. All studies conclude that estrogen deficiency leads to bone loss. In order to prevent osteoporosis only a small dose of 0,6 mg conjugated estrogens is needed if treatment begins immediately after the menopause.