Bone mass measurement and factors associated with risk of fracture in a group of peri- and postmenoupausal women.

BACKGROUND This study tried to find out the physiological risk factors as well as biochemical factors in a group of Pakistani peri- and postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHOD One hundred female subjects with age range of 40-52 years were included in the study. Female subjects were divided into two groups, i.e., 65 women with perimenopausal status age range 40-52 years old and 35 women with post menopausal status age range of 50-60 years. Detailed histories of subjects including factors that may contribute in bone fracture were recorded. Bone density was scanned. Blood parameters like serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, total protein and uric acid were estimated. RESULTS It was found that 70% of perimenopausal women belonging to class B were physically active. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) was observed in 25-30% of both groups. On the other, only 15% of both groups used oral contraceptives. Family history was found to be only in 10% of both groups. Level of serum calcium of perimenopausal/postmenopausal was less than normal control subject. Although the level of alkaline phosphatase was increased in perimenopausal women as compared to postmenopausal women and normal control subjects. Bone density of both peri- and postmenopausal women significantly decreased as compared to T score of normal control. CONCLUSION It was concluded that a number of factors are predictive of future risk for the development of osteoporosis in women of reproductive age. Given the severity of the medical consequences of osteoporosis, the medical community needs to assess all women for these risk factors during their perimenopausal years.