Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become weak and fragile and more likely to break (fracture). These fractures most commonly occur in the spine, wrist and hips, but can affect other bones such as the spine, arm or pelvis.

From about the age of 35, you gradually lose bone density. This is a normal part of ageing, but for some people it can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.

There are often no warning signs for osteoporosis until someone experiences a fracture, usually after a minor fall.

If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, or are at high risk of developing the condition, you may be referred for a bone density scan.

Treatment for osteoporosis is based on treating and preventing fractures and using medication to strengthen your bones.

Source: NHS Choices, UK (Brittle bones), Osteoporosis Australia(What is Osteoporosis?)

Last reviewed: June 2015

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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects the strength and quality of the bones, causing weakness in the skeleton.

Living with Osteoporosis | Osteoporosis Australia

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis or have a high risk of breaking a boneyour doctor will prescribe a medicine to strengthen your bones and help prevent fractures. Prescribed medicine plays an essential role inmanagingosteoporosis. Your doctor will also ensure that you: have adequate calcium, vitamin D and exercise to support your bone health stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake and change anyhabits that mayimpact on your bones are monitored for any conditions/medications that affect bone health.

Read more on Osteoporosis Australia website

Osteoporosis Services | Osteoporosis Australia

Simply select a service from the drop down menu below, and enter your postcode (or suburb) to locate a service near you. If you are looking for a physiotherapist you can visit the directory hosted by the Australian Physiotherapy Association

Read more on Osteoporosis Australia website

Hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile, leading to a higher risk of breaks or fractures. A minor bump or fall can be enough to cause a break in someone with osteoporosis. People with hyperparathyroidism are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. This fact-sheet explains how hyperparathyroidism can affect your bones, how to find out if you are at risk of osteoporosis, and what you can do to help protect your bone health.

Read more on Osteoporosis Australia website

Diabetes and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile, leading to a higher risk of breaks or fractures. A minor bump or fall can be enough to cause a break in someone with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more common in people with diabetes than in the general population. This fact-sheet explains how diabetes can affect your bones, how to find out if you are at risk of osteoporosis, and what you can do to help protect your bone health.

Read more on Osteoporosis Australia website

Osteoporosis | myVMC

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by weak, brittle bones which fracture easily. It is most common in post menopausal women.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile, leading to a higher risk of breaks or fractures. A minor bump or fall can be enough to cause a break in someone with osteoporosis. People with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. This factsheet explains how rheumatoid arthritis can affect your bones, how to find out if you are at risk of osteoporosis, and what you can do to help protect your bone health.

Read more on Osteoporosis Australia website

Coeliac disease and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile, leading to a higher risk of breaks or fractures. A minor bump or fall can be enough to cause a break in someone with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is one of the most common health problems associated with coeliac disease. This factsheet explains how coeliac disease can affect your bones, how to find out if you are at risk of osteoporosis, and what you can do to help protect your bone health.

Read more on Osteoporosis Australia website

Thyroid disease and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile, leading to a higher risk of breaks or fractures. A minor bump or fall can be enough to cause a break in someone with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more common in people with thyroid conditio ns than in the general population. This factsheet explains how thyroid disease can affect your bones, how to find out if you are at risk of osteoporosis, and what you can do to help protect your bone health

Read more on Osteoporosis Australia website

Anorexia nervosa and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile, leading to a higher risk of breaks or fractures. A minor bump or fall can be enough to cause a break in someone with osteoporosis. People with anorexia nervosa are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. This factsheet explains how anorexia nervosa can affect your bones, how to find out if you are at risk of osteoporosis, and what you can do to help protect your bone health

Read more on Osteoporosis Australia website

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Osteoporosis