THE RISK FACTORS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS

Abstract

Objective: The cause of post-menopausalosteoporosis is estrogen deficiency. The sourceand quality of estrogen changes during the postmenopausalperiod. In this period the mainestrogen in the circulation is estrone and isformed by the aromatization process ofandrogens peripherally. This process dependsupon the body mass and age of the patients.Therefore the aim of this study was to determinethe relationship between risk factors andreduction of bone density in Turkish postmenopausalwomen.Methods and Results:' A hundred postmenopausalwomen were evaluated; theiraverage age was 50.44 and their body massindex (BMI) were calculated (kg/m2). Their age,the duration of menopause and thepresence/absence of smoking were taken intoconsideration. Bone mineral density assessmentwas done with Lunar DPX. The data obtainedwas evaluated by multiple regression analysisand x2 test.Conclusion: We found that BMI varies directlyand the duration of menopause indirectly withbone mineral density. The age of the patient onits own is barely related to bone mineral densitywhereas a history of smoking has no effect.K e y W o rd s : BMI and osteoporosis, Riskfactors, Postmenopausal osteoporosis