Osteoporosis prevalence in Portugal reaches 15%

Research in Portugal indicates that osteoporosis prevalence is approximately 15% of the population, a higher figure than previous estimates of 10%. The condition affects genders unequally, impacting 17% of women compared to 2.6% of men, largely due to bone mass loss following menopause.

Osteoporosis often remains asymptomatic until a fracture occurs. While hip fractures are the most severe due to risks of mortality and loss of autonomy, wrist and vertebral fractures are more common. Vertebral fractures can be difficult to detect, often manifesting only as height loss or spinal curvature.

The Direção-Geral da Saúde recommends that all women undergo bone densitometry at age 65. Although the exam is fast, painless, and uses low radiation, many women reach age 70 without having it. Experts note that densitometry should be used alongside tools like the FRAX calculator, which estimates ten-year fracture risk by considering factors such as age, sex, weight, smoking status, and medical history.