Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture).
Did you know?
- Women over 65 and men over 75 are at greater risk of osteoporosis.
- Drinking excess alcohol, smoking, long periods of inactivity increase your risks.
- Premature menopause, high dose steroids (7.5mg or more prednisolone for 3 months or more) can also increase your risk
- Osteoporosis can run in families
- Treatments can help to reduce the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
- Hip fractures are the commonest cause of an emergency surgery in elderly people.
- Up to 20% of fractures can be prevented if you get treatment early.
- If you are unable to tolerate tablets, there are other treatments available too.
You can decrease your risk of osteoporosis by up to 20% by getting assessed and treated early
DR Amir Hannan, GP
You can assess your risk of fractures using these tools:
- Royal Osteoporosis Society osteoporosis risk checker
