Osteoporosis Reference Guide

Osteoporosis Case Studies

Here are a few case studies in Osteoporosis. How would you approach these situations?

Q: A healthy, post-menopausal 64-year-old female had been on Hormone Replacement Therapy, but discontinued six years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, with her cancer in remission, she is considered healthy and active. However, her most recent physical examination is not completely normal. What should the doctor’s next step be?

A: Conduct a Bone Mass Density (BMD) test.

If your health professional is concerned about the possibility of Osteoporosis, he/she will always recommend a BMD.

Q: A 54-year-old healthy, postmenopausal woman goes to her physician for her annual check-up and complains of suffering from hot flashes and night sweats. It is determined that the woman exercises regularly, is not on any medication and does not smoke or drink. Her mother recently broke her femur after a fall and her father died at an early age due to heart problems. Her physical exam shows her to be in perfect health, with the exception of high cholesterol levels. What should the doctor recommend?

A: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Hot flashes, high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease and the risk of Osteoporosis are a sign that HRT could protect her from the progression of Osteoporosis while relieving her night sweats and hot flashes.

Q: A 68-year-old woman undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is complaining of repeated vaginal bleeding and there is a history of cancer in her family. Several adjustments had been made to her HRT to no avail. With the exception of the vaginal bleeding, everything else appears to be normal. She has requested that she be taken off HRTs. How should the doctor advise her?

A. Conduct a Bone Mass Density (BMD) test.

A BMD test will accurately predict the patient’s risk of Osteoporosis and find alternate treatments, if necessary, to prevent further progression of the disease.