Osteoporosis in females prior to menopause: current concepts regarding definition, screening and management.

Few practice guidelines exist to guide the clinician to the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in the premenopausal woman. Many clinical concerns exist due to the paucity of clinical research studies, while at the same time widespread screening has resulted in an increase number of premenopausal women having their bone mineral density measured. The major issue that has arisen is not therapy, but what is the definition of osteoporosis in premenopausal women. We have no specific definition, for thus it is very difficult to make and specific recommendation on therapy based on bone mineral density numbers alone. Concerns over the definition, screening and management of osteoporosis in premenopausal women are addressed in this review based on the most recent available clinical data and consensus reports.