Risk factors and assessment of low bone mass in the young adult female

Abstract

Although low bone mass and accelerated bone loss can occur early in life, osteoporosis is usually considered a disorder of postmenopausal women. However, some premenopausal women are also at risk for osteoporosis. Because of a lack of knowledge and few practice recommendations for premenopausal women, it can be more difficult to determine the potential risk and to manage the low bone mass in these women. Low bone density in the young adult female may reflect attainment of a lower peak bone mass or be secondary to progressive bone loss following attainment of peak bone density. Early bone health is a key determinant of future osteoporosis, optimizing the bone gain by young adulthood and minimizing the bone loss by menopause is the important preventive strategies. Low bone mass in the young adult female may be associated with prolonged amenorrhea, anorexia nervosa, chronic glucocorticoid therapy and diseases that affect calcium and vitamin D metabolism. Also, bone loss may be associated with common conditions such as smoking, dieting, low calcium intake, and low physical activity. This review addresses peak bone mass accrual, risk factors, screening or evaluation and management of low bone mass in young adult female. © 2009 by The Korean Academy of Family Medicine.