[Parathyroid hormone for osteroporsis: why and who to treat?].

Osteoporosis treatment with anti-catabolic agents, such as bisphosphonates and SERMS, inhibits bone remodeling, resulting in increased bone mineral density and preservation of bone micro-architecture. On another side, daily subcutaneous injections of parathyroid hormone (and PTH(1-34), teriparatide) stimulate osteoblastic functions and bone remodeling, resulting in new bone formation, increased bone mineral density and improved microarchitecture, thereby reducing fracture risk. However, the effects on PTH on cortical bone structure and its use in the context of anticatabolic treatments for osteoporosis remain complex.