Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when the structures of the bones become weaker and less dense, increasing the risk of breaking. Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis. Learn more about bones.

Preventing osteoporosis and living well with it involve the same healthy lifestyle at all stages of life.

It is very important for osteoporosis prevention to begin in childhood. The more bone mass you have when you reach 
adulthood, the less likely you are to have weak and breakable bones at an older age. 

For women, early prevention is especially important since the reduction in oestrogen at menopause causes bone loss to 
occur rapidly.

 Preventing broken bones is very important. The most common sites where broken bones occur are the hips, wrists and spine, but also the ankles, legs, arms and ribs. Breakage typically occurs from a minor trip, fall or similar incident.

Broken bones can occur in patients with osteopenia (low bone density, a precursor to osteoporosis) or osteoporosis itself. Once a fracture has occurred the patient is considered to be at much higher risk of another fracture. 

If you are worried that you could have osteoporosis do an online self assessment.

To obtain a definite diagnosis your medical practitioner will send you for a bone density scan.

Thanks to Healthy Bones Australia booklet Bone health explained