Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women - A major cause of concern

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a metabolic disorder of the bones that is characterized by decreased bone density which predisposes to increased fracture risk. The disease can exist undiagnosed for a long time as it produces no distinct symptoms. Aim: To assess osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Materials and Method: This is a prospective study conducted on Post menopausal women. Women who had undergone hysterectomy or who were on hormone replacement therapy or calcium or vitamin D preparations were excluded from the study. The participants underwent BMD measurement by Achilles Ultrasound bone densitometer. The results of BMD were analysed on the basis of T-Scores. Results: Of the 90 patients that were included in the study 42.2 % (n=38) were in the age group of 45-55years. In almost 50% of patients the duration of menopause was 6-10 years. Out of the 90 patients 10% (n=9) were normal, 44.4% (n=40) were osteopenic, 33.3% (n=30) were osteoporotic and 12.2% (n=11) were severely osteoporotic. Backache was the commonest presenting symptom in the study population. Conclusions: Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a rapid and in-expensive method of measuring bone density. In our study 90% of the postmenopausal women had subnormal T scores. We recommend regular BMD measurements in postmenopausal subjects for early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in this vulnerable group.