Influence of lifestyle, gynecological history and calcium intake on the onset of osteoporosis

Abstract

Background. Although the aetiology of osteoporosis postmenopausica is not known, some risk factors have been related on its pathogenesis. Among them, some life-styles as tobacco, coffee and alcohol consumption, physical activity and obesity have been related to osteoporosis in one or another way. On the other hand, gynecological history; age at menarchy onset, age of menopause, years in menopause and fertile years have also been related to the development of osteoporosis. Finally, daily calcium intake during adulthood and osteoporosis is also a matter of controversy. The objectives of these study were to analyze the influence of some life-styles, the gynecological history and daily calcium intake on the existence or not of osteoporosis, comparing these data between osteoporotic and healthy canarian women. Material and methods. 131 osteoporotic patients (patient group) and 484 healthy women (control group). A detailed clinical history and physical examination was performed in every woman. Data about life-styles and ginecologycal history was also recorded eith an <<ad hoc>> questionnaire. Bone mass was determined by two different methods, densitometry and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Results and discussion. Life-styles do not have any influence on the development of osteoporosis with the exception of obesity, which has a protector effect. Osteoporotic patients are older than controls, age of menopause onset, and reproductive years are lower in osteoporotic patients than controls, and so, have been more years in menopause. Age of menarchy, number of pregnancies, natural lactation and number of abortions do no seem to have any effect on the development of osteoporosis. Bone mass, measured by DEXA and QCT was lower in osteoporotic patients than in controls. Conclusions. Life-styles do not seem to have any influence on the development of osteoporosis with the exception of obesity, which has a protector effect. Gynecological data linked to the development of osteoporosis are age of onset of menopause, reproductive years and years in menopause. Daily calcium intake was similar in both groups. Bone mass is lower is osteoporotic patients than in controls.