After the age of 40 and especially in menopause, bone density decreases sharply in women. The limited decrease in bone density is called osteopenia while the extensive one is called osteoporosis. The ratio of women to men for bone problems is 4: 1. 5% of women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.

If osteoporosis is found mainly in the trabecular bones such as the vertebrae, then it causes a sharp reduction in height and also hunch. Conversely, if the localization is mainly in the cortical bones, then the problems occur in the long bones, such as the femur. Let's not forget that a fatal head fracture in older women can even cause death. The women who must have a bone mass (DEXA) measurement are:

 

 

  • Women under 65 with menopause and one of the risk factors
    (weight <57kg, personal or family history of fractures, smoking)
  • All women over 65 years
  • Women who are likely to receive or receive treatment for bone loss
  • Women taking hormonal supplements (or have been taking them for some time)
  • Women (or people in general) who will be treated with corticosteroids for more than six (6) months or people at increased risk of osteoporotic fractures (list)
  • Generally women who are monitored or treated for bone density disorders should have their bone mass measured regularly (for example annually).