Fractures after age 20 tied to postmenopause risk

February 15, 2002

NEW YORK, Jan 18 (Reuters Health) - Bone breaks in young adulthood and

middle age may raise a woman's risk of fractures after menopause,

research suggests.

Investigators found that women who had sustained a fracture unrelated to

a car accident between ages 20 and 50 were 74% more likely than other

women to suffer a bone break after age 50.

This risk was independent of bone density, age, smoking and other

factors that determine a woman's risk of osteoporosis and fractures

later in life. Dr. Ian R. Reid and his colleagues at the University of

Auckland in New Zealand report the findings in the January 14th issue of

the Archives of Internal Medicine.

It has been established that postmenopausal women who sustain fractures

face an increased risk of further breaks. But the importance of

fractures at other points in life has been unclear, according to Reid's

team.

In this study, bone breaks at any time between ages 20 and 50 were

associated with fractures after menopause. However, childhood and

teenage fractures were not, the report indicates.

One reason, the researchers suggest, may be that fractures among

children and teens typically result from sports, accidents and

" risk-taking. " For young and middle-aged women, problems with bone

strength and the supporting soft tissue may be involved.

Reid's team suggests that doctors should ask postmenopausal women about

fractures earlier in life to help assess whether they need bone density

testing and possibly treatment.

The investigators note that the risk they found for fractures before age

50 is comparable to that associated with " classic osteoporotic risk

factors " such as low bone density, low body weight and smoking.

Moreover, the researchers point out, young women who have sustained bone

breaks should be aware of the risk so they can pay particular attention

to osteoporosis prevention. Quitting smoking, getting enough calcium and

vitamin D, and exercising regularly are some preventive measures.

The study involved nearly 1,300 women who were at least 10 years past

menopause. Close to 500 reported ever having a bone break, with the

majority occurring after age 50. Only 7% reported having a fracture

between the ages of 20 and 50.

SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine 2002;162:33-36.

Recommended Posts