Spanish health experts call for early osteoporosis risk assessment

Medical organizations, including the Hispanic Foundation for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases (Fhoemo) and the Spanish Society for Bone and Mineral Metabolism Research (Seiomm), are calling for osteoporosis risk assessments to be integrated into care for women during perimenopause. This request follows new recommendations from the International Menopause Society, which advise evaluating the risk of bone loss and future fractures during this transition and early menopause.

Experts emphasize that the decline in estrogen during perimenopause accelerates bone mass loss, often without immediate symptoms. Identifying high-risk individuals early through tools like FRAX or bone densitometry can guide preventive measures before a fracture occurs. In Spain, osteoporosis affects approximately three million people, 80% of whom are women. Data indicates that 18.6% of Spanish women aged 50 or older have densitometric osteoporosis.

Additionally, the International Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis Foundation (OAFI) highlights that osteoporosis often goes undetected until a fracture occurs, which can lead to chronic pain, functional limitations, and loss of autonomy. Prevention strategies include healthy nutrition—specifically calcium, vitamin D, and protein intake—regular exercise to improve balance, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.