Note: Hormone therapy (HT) is also known hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

1. What is osteopaenia (osteopenia)?

A condition of moderate loss of bone density or strength. A woman with osteopaenia has a risk of broken bones that is higher than normal, but not as high as with the more severe condition, osteoporosis.

2. What is osteoporosis? 

Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose their strength and density, and become fragile and fracture (break) more easily because of calcium loss. This disease particularly affects women in their middle and later years. It is quite different from osteoarthritis which affects joint surfaces. 

3. Should all women have a bone density measurement? 

No, each woman should be assessed by her doctor about the risk of developing osteoporosis and be referred for a bone density measurement if necessary.

4. What tests are available to assess the risk of developing osteoporosis?

Several tests are available for measuring bone density, the most common and reliable being duel energy x-ray bone densitometry (DEXA). The DEXA method measures bone density at the sites of greatest concern - the hip and the spine - using low dosage radiation.

5. What are the risk factors for osteoporosis? 

The most reliable risk factors are a family history of osteoporosis, early menopause, (occurring before the age of 45), a thin, small body, and being Caucasian or Asian. Other equally relevant factors are smoking, a high intake of alcohol and caffeine, taking certain drugs like corticosteroids for long periods, and diseases like an overactive thyroid or anorexia nervosa. 

6. How does taking hormone therapy (HT) prevent osteoporosis?

HT prevents the bone break down that occurs at an accelerated rate during the early post-menopausal years, therefore reducing the likelihood of fractures. However, because of the small but significant risks of long term HT use, other alternatives should be considered if necessary in women not taking HT short term for menopausal symptoms. These include exercise, diet, calcium, and specific drug therapies for those women with fractures. 

7. Are calcium supplements necessary? 

Post-menopausal women should have at least 1300mg of calcium each day (three glasses of milk or equivalent). Women who have difficulty consuming this amount should take a calcium supplement.

Content updated July 27, 2009