The science and therapy of glucocorticoid-induced bone loss

Glucocorticoids are critical in the management of chronic, noninfectious, inflammatory diseases. Bone loss is a most devastating side effect of these powerful medications. Glucocorticoids produce bone loss by altering calcium metabolism, suppressing gonadal hormone production, and inhibiting bone formation. Now that the mechanism of glucocorticoid-induced bone loss is understood and effective medications are available, this disease can be prevented and reversed.