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Osteoporosis

8-minute read

Key facts

  • Osteoporosis is a chronic (long-term) condition that makes your bones more likely to break.
  • Many people don't know that they have osteoporosis until they fracture (break) a bone.
  • Osteoporosis can be treated with lifestyle changes and medicines that strengthen your bones.
  • There are also steps you can take to reduce your risk of falls and fractures.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a common, chronic condition (long-term disease). It's when your bones:

If you have osteoporosis, you are more likely to fracture a bone if you fall over.

Osteopenia is when your bone density is lower than normal, but you don't yet have osteoporosis.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a silent disease — this means it has no symptoms until you break a bone.

Osteoporosis increases your risk of bone fractures. Bone fractures are usually painful. Common fractures seen in people with osteoporosis are:

Fractured vertebrae can also cause a loss of height and a curved spine.

What causes osteoporosis?

People with osteoporosis have decreased bone density and fragile bones. This means your bones can break more easily.

Getting older is associated with bone density getting lower. Females often lose bone mass more quickly after menopause.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

You're more likely to develop osteoporosis if you have risk factors for the disease.

Some of these risk factors are:

Some lifestyle factors that increase your chance of getting osteoporosis are:

You can find out more about your chance of developing osteoporosis by using the 'Know your Bones' self-assessment tool.

When should I see my doctor?

If you are worried about osteoporosis, see your doctor.

Osteoporosis can run in families. Tell your doctor if you have a close family member with the disease. You should also tell them if you have ever had a bone fracture or break due to a minor injury.

Even if you don't have any other risk factors, see your doctor if you are aged 70 years or older. They may recommend you have a test to check your bone density.

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How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about any symptoms and your medical history. They will also examine you.

Your doctor may recommend you have a bone density scan.

You may need blood or urine (wee) tests if your doctor thinks there could be another condition affecting your bone density. They may refer you to a specialist.

How is osteoporosis treated?

Osteoporosis can be managed with lifestyle changes and medicines. These treatments aim to:

Your doctor will recommend treatments based on your:

Lifestyle measures for treating osteoporosis

Lifestyle measures that can help treat osteoporosis include:

Your doctor or physiotherapist can help you build a safe exercise plan which:

Medicines for osteoporosis

Your doctor may recommend osteoporosis medicines to strengthen your bones. There are different medicines for osteoporosis.

Living with osteoporosis

It's important to follow your doctor's advice and make any recommended lifestyle changes. This can help improve your bone health and reduce your risk of falls.

Regular follow-up with your medical team is needed to check your ongoing risk of fractures. Your doctor can review your treatment and make changes as needed.

What are the complications of osteoporosis?

Bone fractures from osteoporosis can cause pain and disability.

Fractures can take a long time to heal. They can affect your quality of life and may stop you living independently at home.

Osteoporosis with fractures can lead to chronic (ongoing) pain in some older people.

Like any medicines, there are side effects with osteoporosis medicines. Your doctor will discuss the side effects of any osteoporosis medicines with you before you take them.

Can osteoporosis be prevented?

There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of osteoporosis and fractures. To help maintain healthy bones:

Preventing falls

Things you can do to lower your risk of falling are:

Your doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist can give you tips on preventing falls. An occupational therapist can also check your home for falls risks.

Assessing fracture risk

As you get older, your doctor should check your risk of fractures and your bone density. Even if you have not had any broken bones.

It's recommended that all people aged 70 years and older have a bone density test.

Resources and support

Healthy Bones Australia has information on osteoporosis, including:

You can also call their helpline on 1800 242 141.

Musculoskeletal Health Australia also has information on osteoporosis, and you can call their helpline on 1800 263 265.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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