Screening

While there are no menopause-specific screening recommendations, women should be encouraged to comply with national/local screening recommendations for cervical cytology and mammography.

Osteoporosis

Bone mass density should be evaluated in all women who meet any of the following criteria:[8]

  • Aged 65 years and older

  • History of fracture after menopause (with the exception of skull, facial bone, ankle, finger, or toe)

  • Medical causes of bone loss including >3 months of systemic glucocorticoid therapy.

Bone mass density testing should be considered for postmenopausal women younger than 65 years if one or more of the following risk factors is present:[8]

  • Discontinued oestrogen with additional risk factors for fracture (e.g., any of those listed below)

  • Body weight <57.7 kg (127 lb) or BMI <21 kg/m²

  • History of hip fracture in a parent

  • Current smoker

  • Excessive alcohol intake

  • Long-term use of medications associated with bone loss including prednisone or aromatase inhibitors.

In the US, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the preferred technique for assessment of bone mass density.[8] Risk assessment and DXA screening policy for primary prevention of osteoporosis may vary regionally.

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