Osteoporosis in premenopause. When are screening and treatment prudent?
Osteoporosis is considered a disorder of postmenopausal women because bone mineral loss and accompanying fragility fractures are common in this group. However, certain premenopausal women are also at risk for osteoporosis. Because of a lack of screening and treatment guidelines for premenopausal women, it can be difficult to determine whether a low bone mineral density correlates with a disease such as osteoporosis and to predict the potential risk of a fracture and formulate the correct course of action. In this article, Dr Derk identifies high-risk groups, presents an approach to judicious screening, and recommends prevention and treatment strategies.
Derk
Chris T
CT
Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. chris.derk@jefferson.edu
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000517:prevention & control; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D017697:Premenopause; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors