Postmenopausal bone loss, related to estrogen deficiency, is the primary contributor to osteoporosis.
At least one-third of women aged 65 years and older experience one or more falls each year, and the risk of falling and of fracture increases with advancing age.
Osteoporosis is a common disorder with potentially serious consequences. Assessment of your skeletal health should be a part of routine care if you’re a postmenopausal woman.
Your annual examination should include measurements of height and weight; assessment for chronic back pain; and clinical risk factors for osteoporosis, fractures, and falls.
Osteoporosis, especially prevalent in older postmenopausal women, increases the risk of fractures that can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Postfracture pain, loss of mobility, changed body image, and loss of independence can have strong effects on self-esteem and mood.
Risk factors used in FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool)
Age (>45)
Thinness (low BMD)
Previous fracture
Parental history of hip fracture
Current tobacco smoking
Use of glucocorticoids
Rheumatoid arthritis
Alcohol intake of more than two units daily
Drugs that impair bone health (check with your Pharmacist or Doctor)
TESTING:
Bone mineral density testing is indicated for all postmenopausal women with risk factors for low BMD or fracture. – DXA is the preferred technique for BMD testing.
For untreated postmenopausal women at low fracture risk, repeat DXA testing is not useful until at least 5 years have passed, unless rapid bone loss is anticipated.
Nonpharmacologic measures such as good nutrition (especially adequate intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D), regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are appropriate for all postmenopausal women.
Supplemental Research
https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/2021-osteoporosis-position-statement.pdf
Management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: the 2021 position statement of The North American Menopause Society