Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in premenopausal women: management for the rheumatologist

Abstract

Purpose of reviewThis review seeks to summarize the literature relevant to the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in premenopausal women; an issue commonly encountered by rheumatologists and yet lacking good clinical practice guidelines.Recent findingsAlthough most of the relevant literature on osteoporosis includes postmenopausal women only, data from both randomized controlled trials and case reports suggest bisphosphonates can be an effective and well tolerated treatment for premenopausal patients. Data for other medications to treat premenopausal osteoporosis is less robust.SummaryThe use of bisphosphonates in young women may be safer than initially thought and should likely be used for the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rheumatology clinics. Further research is needed to continue to understand long-term risk.