Vaginal Cytology and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

There are several reasons for the high prevalence in fracture in women, first women have a lower skeletal mass at maturity compared to men, second although bone loss occurs in both men and women with age, the loss is substantially greater in women after menopause, third life expectancy is greater in women than in men and they are therefor exposed for longer to a given risk, finally elderly women appear to fall more frequently than elderly men for reasons which have yet to be determined. Pap smear which should be taken from all perimenopausal and post menopausal women should include the karyopyknotic index for screening osteopenia. It was found to be easy, cheap non­ invasive and sensitive test for detecting osteopenia and osteoporosis. The KPI is better than the biochemical markers of bone turnover in screening low• bone mineral density and allow early treatment which helps in a better quality of life for postmenopausal women.