Ultradistal and distal forearm bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate bone mineral density of the forearm in older women. METHODS: Eight hundred and thirty-two women who had received a routine distal forearm bone mineral density screening measurement were included. Data were collected on age, age at menopause, duration of menopause, body height, body weight, and duration of hormone replacement therapy. RESULTS: After menopause the incidence of osteoporosis increased markedly with age, from 5.8% in the distal site and 3.9% in the ultradistal site less than 5 years after menopause to 61.1% and 44.4%, respectively, 25 years or later after menopause. Hormone replacement therapy markedly reduced the incidence of osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: After menopause, the incidence of osteoporosis in the forearm increased markedly with years. Women with higher body weight had higher forearm bone mineral density, and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy prevented bone loss in the forearm.