| [ Summary ] |
According to the recommendations based on analyses from a WHI study, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is now not a principal therapeutic strategy for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Bisphosphonate, as a bone specific drug, emerges as a more important therapeutic tool for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates strongly inhibit bone resorption and increase bone mineral density, thus reduce osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women. Based on several clinical mass studies, bisphosphonates, such as alendronate and risedronate, have been established as standard therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Furthermore, their clinical benefits for treatment of renal osteodystrophy, another important metabolic bone disease, are currently under investigation. |