A Statistical Analysis of Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Menopausal Women

Shin, J C; Lee, S H; Lee, N W; Lee, C; Rha, J Y

Abstract

The osteoporosis, one of the most common disorder of the human skeleton, is characterized by a decreased bone mineral density, inceased porosity of the bones, and a decreased resistance to fracture. The incidence of osteoporotic fractures in old postmenopausal women has increased enormously during the past decades, making a significant health and economic problem. Efforts to retard or prevent the development of osteoporosis have been performed in the developed countries. The main risk factors for osteoporosis are associated with the female sex, age and loss of ovarian function. Several other risk factors have also been described, including low physical activity, low body weight and low calcium intake. Also smoking, excessive use of alcohol and coffee as well as several diseases and drugs seem to affect bone mineral metabolism. These studies were performed to evaluate the risk factors of osteoporosis in menopausal women and also protect from the osteoporosis. Dual photon X-ray absorptiometry[DPXA] was employed to measure bone mineral density in 88 menopausal women and the osteoporosis was defined when the bone mineral density of the patients was below -2 standard deviation of Z score. The results were as follows ; 1] Bone mineral density showed a linear reduction with age, duration of menopause, and decreased in thin women. 2] Bone mineral density decreased in women with hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus, family history of osteoporosis, and long term use of corticosteroid and diuretics. 3] Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, no regular exercise, low calcium and phsophorus diet, and lactose intolerance were related to lower bone mineral density. 4] There were no relationship between age at menopause, parity, cause of menopause and bone mineral density. 5] Age, duration of menopause and weight were defined as the risk factors for osteoporosis in menopausal women.