A search for secondary causes of osteoporosis or low mineral density in postmenopausal women

Background: A secondary cause can be found in up to one third of women with osteoporosis, potentially modifying their therapeutic approach. Aim: To determine the prevalence of secondary causes and risk factors for decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. Material and Methods: We included postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or low BMD who consulted for the first time in an endocrinology clinic between October 2018 and March 2020. A complete medical history, physical examination and a standardized laboratory assessment to identify secondary causes were performed. Results: During the study period, 114 women were evaluated, 30 of them with low BMD and 84 with osteoporosis. After obtaining a medical history and a structured laboratory screening, at least one secondary cause was found in 50% of patients with osteoporosis and in 67% of those with low BMD. Most patients with no identified secondary cause had at least one risk factor for fragility fractures. Conclusions: A structured evaluation that includes medical history and standardized laboratory study in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or low BMD, is a valuable tool to identify secondary causes of osteoporosis.