What medication is used as a first-line treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women?

• A. Estrogen therapy
• B. Bisphosphonates
• C. Calcitonin
• D. Vitamin D supplements

Answer: (B)

Bisphosphonates are recognized as the first-line treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women due to their effectiveness in reducing the risk of fractures. These medications work by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, which helps to maintain or increase bone density. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women, as they experience an accelerated loss of bone mass due to decreased estrogen levels.

Estrogen therapy can be helpful in managing osteoporosis but is generally not the first-line treatment due to concerns about potential side effects and contraindications associated with hormone replacement therapy. Calcitonin has some use in osteoporosis treatment, but it is considered less effective than bisphosphonates and is not typically recommended as a first-line treatment. Vitamin D supplements play a vital role in overall bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis, but they alone do not address the issue of bone resorption, making them insufficient as a primary treatment modality for established osteoporosis.