What is the first line treatment for osteoporosis?

The first line treatment for osteoporosis is bisphosphonates. These medications work by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, which helps to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures. Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate and risedronate, are effective in both preventing and treating osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women and other high-risk populations.

While calcium supplements and vitamin D supplementation are important for maintaining bone health and can be part of the overall management of osteoporosis, they are generally considered supportive measures rather than primary treatments. Hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial for some patients but is not the first-line treatment due to potential risks and the availability of safer alternatives like bisphosphonates. Thus, bisphosphonates are the preferred first-line therapy because of their proven efficacy in reducing fracture risk and improving bone density in patients with osteoporosis.