Workup and Management of Premenopausal Osteoporosis

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of premenopausal low bone mass or osteoporosis is challenging as its relationship to low bone mass and risk of fracture is less defined. Premenopausal or perimenopausal women with low bone density or a history of fragility fractures should undergo a thorough evaluation of causes that predispose them to bone loss. Identification of these underlying risk factors such as estrogen deficiency or malabsorptive disorders offers a treatment strategy to reverse bone loss. This is a review of the diagnostic approach and subsequent management strategies of premenopausal low bone mass or osteoporosis.

Keywords: Bone mineral density; Estrogen; Fracture; Premenopausal and perimenopausal osteoporosis; Z-scores.