Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Linked to Osteoporosis

THURSDAY, March 4, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is associated with osteoporosis, according to a study published online March 1 in Menopause.

Alison K. Shea, M.D., Ph.D., from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues examined the correlation of POI and early menopause with bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis among female participants of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

The researchers observed no difference in hip BMD for women with POI compared with those with early and normal age of menopause; however, women in the POI group were more likely to have self-reported osteoporosis (21.9 versus 16.7 percent) and to have used osteoporosis drugs (11.39 versus 7.63 percent). POI was associated with increased odds of osteoporosis, as diagnosed using BMD, after adjustment. This association was influenced by current cigarette smoking. Obesity and current hormone therapy use were protective factors, but the duration of hormone therapy use was not. The likelihood of being obese, having reduced physical activity, and being a current smoker was higher for women in the POI group.

“An early loss of ovarian function prior to age 40 years is associated with BMD-measured osteoporosis,” the authors write. “Increasing understanding of the sequelae associated with an earlier loss of ovarian function will aid in targeting earlier screening and intervention strategies for women in Canada and abroad.”

One author disclosed financial ties to Pfizer and BioSyent.

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