[Evaluation of risk factors in development of osteoporosis]

Bone mass may be measured by several techniques. The most recently developed equipment has sufficient accuracy to diagnose the low peak bone mass or a low bone mass later in life and sufficient precision to be able to follow the effects of a given treatment. Future bone loss can be estimated around the menopause by a combination of biochemical estimates and bone turnover. Together with measurement of bone mass at the menopause this method is helpful in deciding who should receive preventive treatment.