Fracture risk in early postmenopausal women assessed using FRAX.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate FRAX ® 10-year fracture probabilities depending on the recommended management strategy in early postmenopausal women who were untreated at baseline. Methods We conducted a descriptive study in 494 untreated women aged 45–60 years seen for the first time at a menopause clinic. Risk factors, physical findings, and bone mineral density (BMD) values determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were collected. At the end of the clinic visit, 128 (26%) women were prescribed medications. Then, the 10-year fracture probability was estimated using the FRAX ® tool. Results The mean FRAX ® probability was 3.9% ± 2% for major osteoporotic fractures and 0.8% ± 0.9% for hip fractures. Women who were prescribed medications had significantly ( P P ® probability, from 7.8% in the lowest quintile (Q1) to 50.5% in Q5. Hormone replacement therapy or raloxifene contributed 92% of the prescriptions in patients with FRAX ® probabilities in the first four quintiles and bisphosphonates 70% of prescriptions in patients with probabilities in Q5. Conclusions Early postmenopausal women had low to moderate fracture risks (FRAX ® , 3–4%). The indications and type of drugs prescribed correlated with FRAX ® probabilities. Treatment thresholds should be defined to optimize the management of osteoporosis. In early postmenopausal women, treatment thresholds may vary with the type of treatment.