Effect of natural early menopause on bone mineral density

• Published in: Maturitas 2008-04, Vol.59 (4), p.323-328
• Main Authors: Francucci, C.M, Romagni, P, Camilletti, A, Fiscaletti, P, Amoroso, L, Cenci, G, Morbidelli, C, Boscaro, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aging; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Density - physiology; Bone mass; Bone mineral density; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Early menopause; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Internal Medicine; Medical sciences; Menopause, Premature - physiology; Middle Aged; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - physiopathology; Osteoporosis. Osteomalacia. Paget disease; Puberal and climacteric disorders (male and female); Time Factors
• ISSN: 0378-5122; 1873-4111
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2008.03.008

Abstract Objectives Early menopause (EM) is included among the risk factors for osteoporosis. Several studies have shown that women with early menopause have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than those with normal expected age of menopause. The aim of our cross-sectional study was to investigate the effects of time of menopause on vertebral bone mass in healthy postmenopausal women and to evaluate if early menopause is a risk factor for lower vertebral BMD. Method We studied 782 who had never received drugs acting on bone mass. The study population was divided into three groups: women with early, normal (NM), and late (LM) menopause. Our study population was further categorized in 5-year age segments between 45 and >75. Results The three groups examined did not differ for age, age at menarche, body mass index (BMI), and vertebral BMD, while there were significant differences in age at menopause and years since menopause. Our study showed that women with EM presented significantly lower vertebral BMD than NM and LM in 50–54 age segments. Beyond 55 years, EM, NM, and LM women had no differences in lumbar BMD values. Conclusions In conclusion, controversial data demonstrated that the absolute amount of bone loss is greater after early menopause than after normal or late menopause, even if a slight effect of early menopause on bone mass cannot be excluded.