Osteoporosis is a growing major public health problem with impact that crosses medical, social, and economic lines. These guidelines have been developed by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) with hopes of reducing the risk of osteoporosisrelated fractures and thereby improving the quality of life for people with osteoporosis. The guidelines use the best evidence, taking into consideration the economic impact of the disease and the need for efficient and effective evaluation and treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The intent is to provide evidence-based information about the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis for endocrinologists, physicians in general, regulatory bodies, health-related organizations, and interested laypersons. 2. METHODS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AACE CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS Evidence was obtained through MEDLINE searches and other designated reference sources. Expert opinion was used to evaluate the available literature and to grade references relative to evidence level (EL) (Table 1), based on the ratings of 1 through 4 from the 2010 AACE protocol for standardized production of clinical practice guidelines (1). In addition, recommendations were graded A through D, in accordance with methods established by AACE in 2004 (Table 2) (2). Information pertaining to cost-effectiveness was included when available.