Osteoporosis

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

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New or Updated

  1. About Osteoporosis
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. BMS TV: Osteoporosis
  4. Beyond Calcium: A Blueprint for Bone Resilience [11 May 2026]
  5. Bone Density Scan (DEXA Scan)
  6. Bone Density Test
  7. Bone Health
  8. Bone Health
  9. Bone Health in Menopause
  10. Bone Health and Osteoporosis
  11. Bone Health, Hormones and the Real Risk of Osteoporosis
  12. Bone Health: How To Feed Your Skeleton With Julia Zumpano, RD
    Healthy Bones
  13. Osteoporosis Bone Health: Tips To Keep Your Bones Healthy
  14. Bonehealth.org.au [Bone Health Foundation, Australia]
  15. Bonehealthandosteoporosis.org [Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  16. Bones, Joints and Muscles [Topics]
  17. Bonetalk.org [Bone Talk, United States]
  18. Boosting Bone Density: Best Ways To Prevent Fractures As You Age
  19. Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  20. CAMS Menopause Hour: The Clinical Management and Risk of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis [Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies]
  21. Osteoporosis Calcium Content of Common Foods
  22. Calcium and Vitamin D
  23. Can Calcium Supplements Prevent Osteoporosis?
  24. Communication With Your Doctor and Healthcare Team
  25. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
  26. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  27. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  28. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  29. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  30. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  31. Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing
  32. Exercise for Bones
  33. Exercising With Osteoporosis: Stay Active the Safe Way
  34. Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing
  35. Food for Healthy Bones
  36. Food for Your Bones: How To Follow the Osteoporosis Diet
  37. Frequently Asked Questions
  38. General Facts – Bone Health Basics: Get the Facts [+ Video: Osteoporosis Is A Silent Killer]
  39. Get A Bone Density Test
  40. Healthybonesaustralia.org.au [Healthy Bones Australia]
  41. HRT Questions Answered
  42. Hormones & Osteoporosis: The Hidden Risk for Women In Menopause | Dr Louise Newson
  43. How To Keep Your Bones Healthy for Life
  44. How To Prevent Osteoporosis After Menopause
  45. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  46. Knowyourbones.org.au: “Check Your Bone Health Now!”
  47. May Is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month!
  48. Medicines for Prevention and Treatment
  49. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  50. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Bone Health
  51. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Osteoporosis
  52. Nutrients for Women: Let’s Go Back To Basics – Calcium
  53. Nutrients for Women: Let’s Go Back To Basics – Vitamin D
  54. Nutrition In Menopause
  55. Nutrition: Food and Your Bones – Osteoporosis Nutrition Guidelines
  56. Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
  57. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
  58. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2024: Approach To Bone Health In the Perimenopause and Postmenopause?
  59. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Changing the Paradigm for Earlier Osteoporosis Prevention
  60. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Lifestyle Medicine
  61. Osteopedia [Glossary of Terms]
  62. Osteopenia
  63. Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis and Osteopenia: What’s the Difference?
  64. Osteoporosis
  65. Osteoporosis
  66. Osteoporosis
  67. Osteoporosis
  68. Osteoporosis
  69. Osteoporosis
  70. Osteoporosis & Oestrogen
  71. Osteoporosis To Prevent Fractures: Screening [Final Recommendation Statement United States Preventive Services Task Force
  72. Osteoporosis Treatment: Medications Can Help
  73. Osteoporosis – Multiply Languages
  74. Osteoporosis, the Silent Disease, Can Shorten Your Life − Here’s How To Prevent Fractures and Keep Bones Healthy
  75. Osteoporosis.Risk.Check.
  76. Osteoporosis.foundation [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  77. Overall Health: Emotional Aspects of Osteoporosis
  78. Overall Health: Managing Your Pain
  79. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  80. Preventing Osteoporosis: Questions for the Doctor
  81. Prevention
  82. Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis In Post Menopausal Women
  83. Q&A: What Should Women Do To Keep Their Bones Healthy?
  84. Resources: Fact Sheets [Multiply Languages]
    Osteoporosis
  85. Secret To Strong Bones After 50 (Not All Calcium!)
  86. Staying Healthy During and After Menopause
  87. Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing
  88. Theros.org.uk [Royal Osteoporosis Society, United Kingdom]
  89. Treatment
  90. Treatment for Osteoporosis
  91. Vitamin D
  92. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  93. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Preventing Bone Loss At Menopause
  94. What Is A Bone Density Test (DXA Scan) [+ Video: Testing & Diagnosis)
  95. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? [+ Video: What Is Osteoporosis?]
  96. What Is Osteoporosis?
  97. What Women Need To Know
  98. What’s the Connection Between Estrogen and Osteoporosis?
  99. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  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: 01 May 2026
  2. Varacallo, M., Seaman, T. J., Jagmohan S., Jandu, J. S., Pizzutillo, P. Osteopenia. Last Update: 01 December 2025 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499878/ Accessed: 01 May 2026
  3. What Is Osteoporosis? About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 01 May 2026
  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: 01 May 2026
  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: 01 May 2026
  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: 01 May 2026
  7. Osteoporosis: Who Is Affected By Osteoporosis? Last Updated: 20 April 2026.  NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions-that-can-affect-multiple-parts-of-the-body/osteoporosis/ Accessed: 01 May 2026
  8. What Women Need To Know. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 01 May 2026
  9. What Is Osteoporosis? About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 01 May 2026
  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: 01 May 2026
  11. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing. International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 01 May 2026
  12. Diagnosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/diagnosis Accessed: 01 May 2026
  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: 01 May 2026
  14. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing. International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 01 May 2026
Topic Last Updated: 11 May 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 May 2026

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