The Endocrine Society released its guidelines on postmenopausal osteoporosis in March 2019. The treatment algorithm is primarily based on fracture risk categories. Categories include three essential ingredients; fragility fracture history, T-scores, and FRAX-scores.
Guidelines prefer bisphosphonates, specially alendronate (Fosamax) and zoledronic acid (Reclast), as the first-line therapy for women at high risk of fractures. Denosumab (Prolia) and anabolic hormones (Tymlos and Forteo) can also be used.
Adverse events from osteoporosis therapies ― osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical femur fractures (AFF) ― have become a public concern in recent years. Although ONJ and AFF are real, the risk of developing fragility fractures from withholding pharmacological therapy far exceeds these potential side effects in high risk and very high-risk women. Providers need to make their patients aware of the benefit vs. harm ratio.
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