[Bone density and osteoporosis. An opinion]

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem for women over 45 years of age. It is divided in type I, affecting mainly cancellous bone and type II, affecting cancellous and cortical bone. Type I osteoporosis is related mainly with menopause, meanwhile, type II osteoporosis is related with ageing in both sexes. Osteoporosis has a major impact in the quality of life and the independence of the individuals, being the best treatment its prevention. All women at the beginning of the menopause should receive hormonal replacement treatment and calcium, in order to avoid type I osteoporosis, since treatment for women with established osteoporosis is aimed to halt the process of bone loss. Bone density may be measured in a reliable way by different techniques, allowing to the practitioner an accurate and reproducible measurement in different segments of the body. The main indications for bone densitometry suggested by the NOF are commented, as well as, the variability that may occur in different populations and the concept of normal values of bone density.