Comparison of Anti-osteoporotic Medications and Alternatives.

Kang, Byung Moon

Review

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2006;49(12):2459-2472.
Published online December 1, 2006.

Comparison of Anti-osteoporotic Medications and Alternatives.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. bmkang@amc.seoul.kr

Abstract

Osteoporosis becomes a serious health threat for aging postmenopausal women by predisposing them to an increased risk of fracture. Conventional pharmacological options are available for osteoporosis therapy, including bisphosphonates, the SERM raloxifene, estrogens, clacitonin, and parathyroid hormone. Although alternative treatment regimens, such as phytoestrogens, herbals, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) also show beneficial effect on bone density and health, further study to determine optional formulation is needed. Several new drugs are available or are in clinical development.

Key Words: Osteoporosis, Anti-osteoporotic medications, Alternative therapy