Final answer:
Menopause-related osteoporosis can be treated with bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and estrogen supplementation in women. Hormone therapy is also used, but it comes with notable risks of serious side effects, which is why it's prescribed cautiously. The overall management includes medications and lifestyle adjustments to minimize fall risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medications used for menopause-related osteoporosis typically include bisphosphonates, which are also used in treating Paget's disease, calcitonin, and estrogen supplementation for women. These treatments are essential for managing bone density and decreasing the risk of fractures. It’s important for patients to also adopt precautionary measures, such as removing tripping hazards to minimize the risk of falls. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen can prevent bone loss; however, it carries a risk of negative side effects, such as an increased chance of stroke, heart attack, and certain types of cancer.
Another important aspect of treatment is the judicious use of hormone therapy (HT). It is approved for reducing hot flashes and is generally commenced when women experience the onset of menopausal changes. HT is prescribed at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration possible, with ongoing monitoring, including regular pelvic and breast exams, due to the associated risks. Concerns around HT relate to its links to a higher risk of breast cancer, as observed in the prematurely terminated 2002 Women's Health Initiative study, although subsequent research has shown potential cardiovascular benefits and no increased cancer risk with estrogen therapies.