Wrinkles ‘can predict bone problems among older women’

Studying skin wrinkles could prove to be a useful new means of assessing postmenopausal women's risk of fragile bone conditions, according to a new study.

Data from an ongoing US study called the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study has highlighted an association between a higher prevalence of skin wrinkling in older women and a reduction in bone density.

This trend was observed via analysis of 114 women in their late 40s and early 50s, with the relationship found to be evident across all skeletal sites, regardless of age, body composition or other factors influencing bone density.

Long-term studies are needed to fully substantiate this link, but if proven it could potentially offer a method of diagnosing fracture risk among older women at a glance.

Dr Lubna Pal, reproductive endocrinologist and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine, said: "Including the study of skin wrinkles to other clinical risk factors may allow identification of fracture risk in populations that do not have access to more costly technology."

According to NHS figures, one in two women over 50 will suffer a broken bone at some point due to their weakening bone density as they age, which can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis.