Rationale for the use of calcitonin in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Calcitonin has been used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis already for several years. The results have been promising. Especially patients with high-turnover osteoporosis respond satisfactorily to the treatment. In the immediate postmenopausal period calcitonin should be considered appropriate if estrogens are either contraindicated or refused by the patient.