“Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women” Statement Is Updated by NAMS

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has updated its position statement on the screening, diagnosis, and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

The new statement updates the group’s 2010 recommendation. A panel of 6 clinician experts on metabolic bone diseases and women’s health was assembled to review and update the prior statement following a review of recent literature.

Among the recommendations: 

• Postmenopausal bone loss related to estrogen deficiency is a major factor in osteoporosis.
• Risk factors for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women include advanced age, genetics, smoking, weight, as well as disease and drug use
• Proper nutrition, frequent physical activity, and a reduction in smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is recommended for all postmenopausal women.
• Estrogen and other therapies for bone loss prevention is recommended for high-risk individuals.
• Lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapies are recommended for individuals with osteoporosis and those with risk factors.
• Estrogen agonists/antagonists, bisphophonates, RANK ligand inhibitors, parathyroid hormone-receptor agonists, and inhibitors of sclerostin are among the approved medications.

“Osteoporosis is a common disorder in postmenopausal women. Management of skeletal health in postmenopausal women involves assessing risk factors for fracture, reducing modifiable risk factors through dietary and lifestyle changes, and the use of pharmacologic therapy for patients at significant risk of osteoporosis or fracture,” the NAMS panel concluded. “Treatment decisions occur continuously over the lifespan of a postmenopausal woman. Decisions must be individualized and should include the patient in the process of shared decision-making.”

—Leigh Precopio

Reference:

Blake J, Cosman FA, Lewiecki M, McCLung MR, Pinkerton JV, Shapiro M. Management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: the 2021 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2021;28(9):973-997. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/2021/09000/Management_of_osteoporosis_in_postmenopausal.3.aspx