Osteoporosis

“If you are over the age of 50 and you have one
or more risk factors you should discuss these with
your doctor and ask for an assessment of your…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Osteoporosis Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Low Bone Density/Mass
  • Osteoporosis
  • Porous Bones

Osteopenia

What is osteopenia?

DotS the definition of osteopenia may vary. In Osteopenia the authors’ definition is:

“Osteopenia describes a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) below normal reference values, yet not low enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis”.2

Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

DotS the definition of osteoporosis may vary. The International Osteoporosis Foundation’s (IOF) definition is:

“Osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bone’. It is a condition where bones become thin and lose their strength, as they become less dense and their quality is reduced. This can lead to broken bones, which cause pain, disability, and make everyday activities extremely difficult”.3

Women

Why are women more likely to get osteoporosis than men?

In What Women Need To Know the (United States) Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) note:

“There are multiple reasons why women are more likely to get osteoporosis than men, including:

  • Women tend to have smaller, thinner bones than men
  • Estrogen, a hormone in women that protects bones, decreases sharply when women reach menopause, which can cause bone loss. This is why the chance of developing osteoporosis increases as women reach menopause”.4

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and bone loss?

In What Women Need To Know: Menopause: A Time for Action the BHOF elaborate on:

“When a woman reaches menopause, her estrogen levels drop and can lead to bone loss. For some women, this bone loss is rapid and severe.

Two major factors that affect your chance of getting osteoporosis are:

  • The amount of bone you have when you reach menopause. The greater your bone density is to begin with, the lower your chance of developing osteoporosis. If you had low peak bone mass or other risk factors that caused you to lose bone, your chance of getting osteoporosis is greater.
  • How fast you lose bone after you reach menopause. For some women, bone loss happens faster than for others. In fact, a woman can lose up to 20% of her bone density during the five – seven years following menopause. If you lose bone quickly, you have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis”.5

Osteoporosis

Common or Not

How common is osteoporosis?

In the United States, according to the BHOF:

“About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis”.6

In the United Kingdom (UK), according to the NHS Inform:

“Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK”.7

Common or Not – Women

How common is osteoporosis in women?

In the United States, the BHOF explain:


Osteoporosis

  • “Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women”.8

Silent Disease

Why is osteoporosis called the ‘silent disease’?

In What Is Osteoporosis? About Osteoporosis the IOF explain:

“Osteoporosis is often called the ‘silent disease’ because most people don’t know they have osteoporosis until they suffer a broken bone from a minor fall or bump – something that would not normally have caused such a drastic injury. In fact, even after breaking a bone, around 80% of patients are still not diagnosed and treated for osteoporosis, the underlying disease which has caused the fracture”.9

In What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Osteoporosis Can Sneak Up on You the BHOF also note:

“Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because one can’t feel bones weakening. Breaking a bone is often the first sign of osteoporosis or a patient may notice that he or she is getting shorter or their upper back is curving forward. If you are experiencing height loss or your spine is curving, be sure to consult your doctor or healthcare professional immediately”.10

Risk Factors

How may we become aware of any potential risk factors?

In About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing the IOF note:

“To become aware of any potential risk factors, take the IOF Osteoporosis Risk Check”.11

Osteoporosis

Diagnosis

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

In Diagnosis the IOF explain:

“If you have risk factors for osteoporosis it is important that you ask your doctor for a bone health assessment.

As part of your bone health ‘check-up’ your doctor should take a complete medical history that includes information on any recent fractures. As well your doctor will likely estimate your future risk by using a fracture risk assessment tool such as FRAX®.

Depending on the results of your fracture risk assessment, a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test may be recommended. In some countries (e.g. U.S.A.), BMD testing is recommended for all women and men at age 65, regardless of whether they have risk factors”.12

Hormone Therapy

Is hormone therapy use to protect against osteoporosis?

On page six of Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 4. Why Is MHT Important? Why Consider MHT? the International Menopause Society’s (IMS) Leaflet for Women for World Menopause Day 2024, the IMS include about menopause hormone therapy (MHT):

“MHT helps women manage the challenging symptoms of menopause and protects against conditions that become more common after menopause, such as…:

  • …Bone health: MHT helps protect against osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and can lead to fractures”.13

Health Care Provider

What if I think I may be at risk for osteoporosis?

If you think you may be at risk for osteoporosis, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing the IOF note:

“If you are over the age of 50 and you have one or more risk factors you should discuss these with your doctor and ask for an assessment of your bone health status. Lifestyle changes may be recommended and, for those at high risk, medication may be prescribed for optimal protection against fractures”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Osteoporosis?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Osteoporosis?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. OsteoporosisAbout Osteoporosis
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. BMS TV: Osteoporosis
  4. Bone Density Scan (DEXA Scan)
  5. Bone Density Test
  6. Bone Health
  7. Bone Health
  8. Bone Health In Menopause
  9. Bone Health and Osteoporosis
  10. OsteoporosisBonehealth.org.au [Bone Health Foundation, Australia]
  11. Bonehealthandosteoporosis.org [Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  12. Bones, Joints and Muscles [Topics]
  13. Bonetalk.org [Bone Talk, United States]
  14. Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  15. CAMS Menopause Hour: The Clinical Management and Risk of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis [Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies]
  16. Calcium Content of Common Foods
  17. Calcium and Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
  18. Calcium and Vitamin D
  19. Can Calcium Supplements Prevent Osteoporosis?
  20. Communication With Your Doctor and Healthcare Team
  21. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  22. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  23. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  24. Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing
  25. Exercise for Bones
  26. Exercising With Osteoporosis: Stay Active the Safe Way
  27. Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing
  28. Food for Healthy Bones
  29. Food for Your Bones: How To Follow the Osteoporosis Diet
  30. Frequently Asked Questions
  31. General Facts – Bone Health Basics: Get the Facts [+ Video: Osteoporosis Is A Silent Killer]
  32. Get A Bone Density Test
  33. Health After Menopause: Bone Health & Osteoporosis
  34. Healthybonesaustralia.org.au [Healthy Bones Australia]
  35. HRT Questions Answered
  36. How To Prevent Osteoporosis After Menopause
  37. ‘If You Don’t Exercise, You Break’: Physical Activity Key In Osteoporosis Intervention
  38. Knowyourbones.org.au: “Check Your Bone Health Now!”
  39. Management of Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Women: The 2021 Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
  40. May Is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month!
    Osteoporosis
  41. Medicines for Prevention and Treatment
  42. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  43. Menopause and Bone Loss
  44. Menopause and Musculoskeletal Health
  45. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  46. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  47. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center [National Institutes of Health, United States]
  48. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Bone Health
  49. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Osteoporosis
  50. Nutrition In Menopause
  51. Nutrition: Food and Your Bones – Osteoporosis Nutrition Guidelines
  52. Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
  53. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
  54. Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis and Osteopenia: What’s the Difference?
  55. Osteopedia [Glossary of Terms]
  56. Osteopenia
  57. Osteoporosis
  58. Osteoporosis
  59. Osteoporosis
  60. Osteoporosis
  61. Osteoporosis
  62. Osteoporosis
  63. Osteoporosis & Oestrogen
  64. Osteoporosis To Prevent Fractures: Screening [Final Recommendation Statement United States Preventive Services Task Force
  65. Osteoporosis Treatment
  66. Osteoporosis Treatment: Medications Can Help
  67. Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
  68. Osteoporosis – Multiply Languages
  69. Osteoporosis, the Silent Disease, Can Shorten Your Life − Here’s How To Prevent Fractures and Keep Bones Healthy
  70. Osteoporosis.Risk.Check.
  71. Osteoporosis.foundation [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  72. Overall Health: Emotional Aspects of Osteoporosis
  73. Overall Health: Managing Your Pain
  74. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
    Osteoporosis
  75. Preventing Osteoporosis: Questions for the Doctor
  76. Prevention
  77. Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis In Post Menopausal Women
  78. Screening for Osteoporosis
  79. Staying Healthy During and After Menopause
  80. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  81. Theros.org.uk [Royal Osteoporosis Society, United Kingdom]
  82. Top Nutrients for Women: Calcium
  83. Top Nutrients for Women: Vitamin D
  84. Treatment
  85. Treatment for Osteoporosis
  86. Updates on Exercise and Lifestyle Tips for Bone Strength With Joanne Fagerstrom, PT CFP
  87. Vitamin D
  88. Video & Podcast Library: Videos – World Menopause Day 2024: Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies [18 October 2024]
  89. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  90. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Preventing Bone Loss At Menopause
  91. Webinars: Previous – Approach To Bone Health In the Perimenopause and Postmenopause?
  92. Webinars: Previous – Changing the Paradigm for Earlier Osteoporosis Prevention
  93. What Is A Bone Density Test (DXA Scan) [+ Video: Testing & Diagnosis)
  94. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? [+ Video: What Is Osteoporosis?]
  95. What Is Osteoporosis?
  96. What Women Need To Know
  97. What’s the Connection Between Estrogen and Osteoporosis?
  98. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  99. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women – The 5 Ws of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  100. Worldosteoporosisday.org [World Osteoporosis Day, October 20]
    Osteoporosis

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing. International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 04 April 2025
  2. Varacallo, M., Seaman, T. J., Jagmohan S., Jandu, J. S., Pizzutillo, P. Osteopenia. Last Update: 04 August 2023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499878/ Accessed: 04 April 2025
  3. What Is Osteoporosis? About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 04 April 2025
  4. What Women Need To Know. Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 04 April 2025
  5. What Women Need To Know: Menopause: A Time for Action. Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 04 April 2025
  6. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Osteoporosis Is Common. Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ Accessed: 04 April 2025
  7. Osteoporosis: Who Is Affected By Osteoporosis? Last Updated: 20 February 2025.  NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions-that-can-affect-multiple-parts-of-the-body/osteoporosis/ Accessed: 04 April 2025
  8. What Women Need To Know. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 04 April 2025
  9. What Is Osteoporosis? About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 04 April 2025
  10. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Osteoporosis Can Sneak Up on You. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ Accessed: 04 April 2025
  11. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing. International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 04 April 2025
  12. Diagnosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/diagnosis Accessed: 04 April 2025
  13. Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 4. Why Is MHT Important? Why Consider MHT? 2024:6. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WMD-Leaflet_English.pdf Accessed: 04 April 2025
  14. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing. International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 04 April 2025
Topic Last Updated: 04 April 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 April 2025

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