Bone density measurement supported for all women at menopause

All women should have their bone density measured at menopause to identify those at high risk of osteoporosis, Australian experts say. In a letter to the MJA doctors from South Australia’s Royal Adelaide Hospital said that early recognition of low bone density and early diagnosis of osteoporosis has the long-term potential to “transform the current depressing osteoporosis picture”. They believe that bone densitometry should be more readily available and not deferred until people have fractures or reach the age of 70 years and support a bone density measurement for all women at the menopause (and perhaps all men at age 60 years). “This would identify those with osteoporosis at high risk of fracture as well as those in the low-normal range who are at high risk of developing osteoporosis,” they said. “The first group could be offered specific therapy to prevent fractures and the second group could be advised on preventive lifestyle measures such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation and appropriate exercise.”...