Relationship between Biochemical Parameters and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women of Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Postmenopausal Osteoporosis is a significant public health concern, primarily due to estrogen decline, leading to metabolic changes and vasomotor symptoms. Common comorbidities in postmenopausal women include Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. This study aimed to assess the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical parameters in postmenopausal women to identify risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi from November 2023 to June 2024. After ethical approval, 150 postmenopausal women were enrolled and categorized into Normotensive, Non-Diabetic Hypertensive, and Hypertensive Diabetic (n=50 each). Investigated parameters included plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, and BMD. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Pearson correlation assessed relationships between T-scores, Z-scores, and lipid parameters, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Mean FBS, HbA1c, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in hypertensive diabetic women (p=0.0001). BMD analysis showed significantly lower T and Z-scores in hypertensive diabetic women (p=0.0001). Significant correlations were observed between Z-score and triglycerides (p=0.008) in normotensive women, T-score and Z-score (p=0.000) in hypertensive women, and T-score and triglycerides (p=0.011) in hypertensive diabetic women. Osteoporosis (76%) and fracture risk (64%) were significantly higher in hypertensive diabetic women (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Hypertensive diabetic postmenopausal women exhibit significantly lower BMD, higher glucose and cholesterol levels, and increased fracture risk, underscoring their heightened osteoporosis susceptibility.