RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS
1. Genetic Ethnicity: Caucasian or Asian, Blond hair, red hair, freckles, hypermobility & adolescent scoliosis reported as having a genetic predisposition. Family history of fracture Low body mass index < 19KG/M2
2. Lifestyle and nutritional Smoking Excess alcohol Sedentary, or prolonged immobilisation
3. Medical conditions Anorexia Nervosa Rheumatoid Arthritis Early menopause <45 years of age Primary hypogonadism Secondary Amenorrhoea for more than 1 year Hyperthyroidism Primary hyperparathyroidism Multiple Myeloma Transplantation Cushings disease/syndrome Chronic kidney, lung or GI diseases
4. Drugs Chronic corticosteroid therapy (>7.5mg per day for > 1 year), increases risk of fracture by 2-3 x. Excessive thyroid therapy Anticoagulants Anticonvulsants Chemotherapy Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist or antagonist
5. In addition these factors should increase suspicion Previous history of a fragility fracture wrist, hip or vertebra especially. Previous wrist # doubles the risk of future hip # and triples the risk of future vertebral #. Loss of height suggesting a kyphosis Osteopenia or loss of vertebral morphology on plain Xray.
RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS
1. Genetic Ethnicity: Caucasian or Asian, Blond hair, red hair, freckles, hypermobility & adolescent scoliosis reported as having a genetic predisposition. Family history of fracture Low body mass index < 19KG/M2
2. Lifestyle and nutritional Smoking Excess alcohol Sedentary, or prolonged immobilisation
3. Medical conditions Anorexia Nervosa Rheumatoid Arthritis Early menopause <45 years of age Primary hypogonadism Secondary Amenorrhoea for more than 1 year Hyperthyroidism Primary hyperparathyroidism Multiple Myeloma Transplantation Cushings disease/syndrome Chronic kidney, lung or GI diseases
4. Drugs Chronic corticosteroid therapy (>7.5mg per day for > 1 year), increases risk of fracture by 2-3 x. Excessive thyroid therapy Anticoagulants Anticonvulsants Chemotherapy Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist or antagonist
5. In addition these factors should increase suspicion Previous history of a fragility fracture wrist, hip or vertebra especially. Previous wrist # doubles the risk of future hip # and triples the risk of future vertebral #. Loss of height suggesting a kyphosis Osteopenia or loss of vertebral morphology on plain Xray.
HRT (OESTROGEN)
Helps to prevent osteoporosis and slows or reverses progression of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
If given at doses equivalent to 0.625mg of Premarin, it will increase bone density by 2% per year
Bone loss may begin again if HRT discontinued at 2% per year
If given for 5-10 years from the menopause almost halves the risk of postmenopausal fractures.
Also has a role in corticosteroid induced osteoporosis
Contraindications: Endometrial carcinoma, Breast cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
Other benefits: loss of menopausal symptoms, cardiovascular protection
If a patient has doubts about the use of HRT, performing BMD measurement may help make the decision.