Osteoporosis

About osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to weaken. It can lead to bones becoming fragile and breaking easily, resulting in pain and disability. Around  3 million people in the UK  have osteoporosis, which can occur at any age. 

Post-menopausal women are by far the most commonly affected group because of the reduction in the hormone estrogen, which is important for maintaining bone density.

The following links provide general information about osteoporosis, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment options, and self-help:

• Royal Osteoporosis Society
• Women’s Health Concern
• NHS Choices
• Versus Arthritis

Osteoporosis and the menopause

Whether a woman develops osteoporosis after the menopause depends on:

• The strength of her bones before the menopause
• Her age at menopause (women who experience the menopause at a younger age are at higher risk of osteoporosis)
• The rate of bone loss

The links below provide more information about factors contributing to the development of osteoporosis and what can you do to help protect yourself around and after the menopause:

• Bone health following the menopause (Women’s Health Concern)
  Factsheet providing information about how to have better bone health and supplementary nutrients
• Prevention of osteoporosis (NHS)
  Includes information on how to keep bones strong and recommendations for a healthy lifestyle 

Treatment for osteoporosis

Treating osteoporosis involves treating and preventing fractures and using medication to strengthen bones.

The links below give some further information:

• Osteoporosis treatment (NHS)
  Information about the different treatment options
• Drugs for osteoporosis (Versus Arthritis)
  Common treatments and prevention of fractures