Bone Loss in Women of Reproductive Age

Although bone loss is most prevalent in post-menopausal women, some young women are also at high risk. Those with estrogen deficiency and chronic systemic illnesses and those taking medications that result in bone loss are most vulnerable (Table 1). Part I of this article will review amenorrheic bone loss, which often occurs in association with neuroendocrine disorders. Part II will focus on other causes of bone loss in women of reproductive age. Diagnosing bone loss in young women is not only important because of increased fracture risk incurred in the short-term, but also because it results in their entering menopause with reduced bone mass, putting them at much higher risk for fractures later in life