Osteoporosis in Various Menopausal Status

Abstract

Objective To assess the prevalence of osteoporosis in women with different menopausal status.

Subjects From January 1992 to December 1995, 1,047 healthy women undergone bone mass measurement at Chulalongkorn Hospital were recruited for the analysis.

Main outcome measures The measurement was performed at lumbar spines (LS ; L1-4) and hip (H) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometer, Hologic QDR 2000. The value of bone mineral density more than 2.5 standard deviation below the young adult 

mean is considered osteoporosis.

Results It was found that the prevalence of osteoporosis of lumbar spines and hip was significantly higher in the postmenopausal (Post) than in the premenopausal women (Pre) (LS: Post vs Pre = 22.5% vs 5.3% ;H: Post vs Pre = 11.9% vs 4.7, P < 0.05). Moreover, the prevalence in the late postmenopausal group (L-Post) (more than 5 years since menopause) was much higher than that of the premenopausal women. (LS: L- Post vs Pre = 37.1% vs 5.3%, P < 0.05; H: L-Post vs Pre = 19.4% VS 4.7%, P < 0.05)

Conclusion Eventhough there are racial differences in osteoporotic fracture rates, this study showed the rising problem of osteoporosis in Thai women who lived longer after menopause.