Topics in Menopause - Part Two - Osteoporosis

1. Forearm bone density may be measured by single photon and dual photon absorptometry to determine bone density and how much bone loss has occurred. If a reading is below the lower normal limit it can be predicted that this woman has a 50% chance of developing osteoporosis in 10 years. Which 50% she falls into may be determined by whether or not she will lose calcium excessively and this will be influenced by genetic constitution, lifestyle and diet and possibly by treatment with Chinese medicine. This test has recently become available on an individual basis in Sydney, Australia. The cost, however, can be prohibitive for many.