Abstract

SUMMARY Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder that affects approximately 21% of women between 50 and 84 years. It's an important public health issue because low bone mass leads to an increased risk of fracture, having negative consequences in morbidity and mortality in this population. Diagnosis is based in clinical history and bone densitometry. Over diagnosis and over treatment of osteoporosis is common in gynecologic practice. The knowledge of diagnostic criteria and indications to perform bone densitometry is relevant. Treatment of osteoporosis consists in lifestyle measures like exercise and adequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D. Bisphosphonates are first-line medical therapy, but alternative treatments including hormone replacement therapy and denosumab have also shown to decrease risk of fracture.