The 2024 Guidelines for Osteoporosis - Korean Society of Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.As ovarian function declines, distressing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and facial flushing arise.Furthermore, decreased estrogen levels may elevate the risk of chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.Currently, South Korean women have been reported to have an average life expectancy of approximately 87-88 years.Considering menopause typically occurs at roughly 50 years old, postmenopausal life spans over 37-38 years, accounting for more than 40% of an individual' s lifespan.Lifestyle modifications and healthy habits during menopause are essential, specifically in preventing and treating osteoporosis.Neglect on this issue not only affects individual postmenopausal women but also results in substantial losses and regrets for society.In an ongoing effort to contribute to the health and wellbeing of peri-menopausal and postmenopausal women, this guideline has been published to foster a better understanding of osteoporosis. I. OSTEOPOROSIS: DEFINITION AND EPIDEMIOLOGY Key points1. Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and abnormal microstructure, ultimately weakening the bones and making them prone to fractures.2. According to the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted from 2008 to 2011, the overall prevalence of osteoporosis in adults over 50 was 22.4%.The prevalence differed by gender, with 7.5% in men and 37.3% in women; women were four times more likely to have osteoporosis than men.