Prevalence of vertebral osteoporosis in Thai postmenopausal women under 70

Abstract

Summary

Osteoporosis is common in Thai postmenopausal women, with 14.4% having vertebral osteoporosis. Most affected women are under 65, highlighting the need for earlier screening. Findings support revising age-based screening strategies to prevent fractures in this at-risk population.

Purpose

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern, particularly among postmenopausal women. Updated prevalence data are crucial for informing screening and prevention strategies. This study aimed to determine the current prevalence and characteristics of vertebral osteoporosis in Thai postmenopausal women aged 50–70 years.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a menopause clinic of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, from May 2024 to March 2025. A total of 730 postmenopausal women aged 50–70 years were enrolled; 721 completed bone mineral density (BMD) assessments. Osteoporosis was diagnosed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using Asian reference data, with vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) performed in women aged 60–70. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors were recorded.

Results

The prevalence of vertebral osteoporosis was 14.4%, and osteoporosis at any site was 19.1%. Prevalence increased with age and time since menopause. Notably, 60% of vertebral osteoporosis cases were identified in women under 65 years. Asymptomatic vertebral fractures were detected in 4.4% of participants aged 60–70 years.

Conclusions

Osteoporosis, especially vertebral osteoporosis, is common among Thai postmenopausal women, with a significant proportion affected before age 65. These findings suggest that current age-based screening thresholds may underestimate at-risk women in this population. Earlier detection and targeted prevention strategies are warranted as Thailand transitions to an aged society.