About Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis means 'porous bones'; they become thinner and brittle. Bone loss can continue for a long time without any ill effects – the sufferer may feel and appear well. Eventually bones can become so weak that they may break, often as a result of a minor injury. Osteoporosis may result in pain, disability and loss of independence. As many as 1:3 women and 1:12 men will be affected by osteoporosis at some point in their lives.

Strong dense bone	Fragile osteporotic bone

Who is at risk?
Those most likely to be at risk are postmenopausal women. The following factors may also contribute towards osteoporosis:

• early menopause or hysterectomy (before the age of 45)
  
• irregular or infrequent periods
  
• long term use of steroids
  
• smoking
  
• low calcium intake
  
• excess alcohol
  
• lack of exercise
  
• family history of osteoporosis (commonly known as brittle bone disease)
  
• previous history of anorexia
  
• low body weight

The following may indicate the presence of osteoporosis:

• fracture following a minor injury
  
• loss of height
  
• back pain

Can osteoporosis be treated?

• It is never too late or too early to start doing something to prevent osteoporosis
  
• Leading an active healthy life and including a diet with sufficient calcium can help prevent osteoporosis and improve general health
  
• Osteoporosis can be treated; there are treatments available that may slow down the bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures
  
• If you have been prescribed a medication it is important that you take it regularly and follow your doctor’s instructions