“People used to think that osteoporosis was an inevitable
part of aging. Today we know a lot more about
how to prevent, detect, and treat the disease”.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. The (United States National Institutes of Health) NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center’s definition is:
“Osteopenia. Low bone mass”.2
Osteoporosis
What is osteoporosis?
DotS the definition of osteoporosis may vary. The International Osteoporosis Foundation’s (IOF) definition is:
Women
Why are women more likely to get osteoporosis than men?
In What Women Need To Know the (United States) Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) note:
- 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:

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
The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) also note:
- “When women go through menopause, there is a rapid loss of bone because of decreased oestrogen and this process may last from 4-8 years after menopause”.6
The JH also add:
- “After this period of time the rate of bone loss is reduced and stabilises”.7
Common or Not
How common is osteoporosis?
In Epidemiology of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures the IOF include the 2008 information:
- “Using the WHO definition of osteoporosis, the disease affects approximately 6.3% of men over the age of 50 and 21.2% of women over the same age range globally. Based on the world population of men and women, this suggests that approximately 500 million men and women worldwide may be affected”.8
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”.9
In the United Kingdom (UK), according to the Royal Osteoporosis Society:
“Over three million people in the UK are living with osteoporosis”.10
Women
How many women have osteoporosis?
In the United States, the BHOF explain:
Silent Disease
Why is osteoporosis called the ‘silent disease’?
In 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”.12
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”.13
Diagnosis
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
In Osteoporosis Overview: Causes of Osteoporosis the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center explain:
- Women over age 65
- Women of any age who have factors that increase the chance of developing osteoporosis”.14
Prevention
How may osteoporosis be prevented?
The BHOF note:
“People used to think that osteoporosis was an inevitable part of aging. Today we know a lot more about how to prevent, detect, and treat the disease. You are never too young or old to take care of your bones. Good lifestyle habits can help you protect your bones and decrease your chance of getting osteoporosis. And, if your healthcare provider hasn’t talked to you about your bone health, it’s time for you to bring it up!”15
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:
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”.16
Health Care Provider
What if I think I have osteoporosis?
If you think you have osteoporosis, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
In Exercise for Your Bone Health: A Complete Osteoporosis Program the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center explain:
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Osteoporosis?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
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
- A Guide To Calcium Rich Foods
- About Osteoporosis
- Bone Basics
- Bone Density Exam/Testing
- Bone Density Scan (DEXA Scan)
- Bone Density Test
- Bone Health
- Bone Health
- Bonehealth.org.au [Bone Health Foundation, Australia]
- Bonehealthandosteoporosis.org [Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
- #BoneMatters Q&A: Nutrition
- Bones, Joints and Muscles [Topics]
- Bonetalk.org [Bone Talk, United States]
- Calcium Content of Common Foods
- Calcium and Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
- Calcium and Vitamin D
- Causes of Osteoporosis & Osteopenia
- Communication With Your Doctor and Healthcare Team
- Consumer Health: Osteoporosis and Exercise
- Consumer Health: Treating Osteoporosis
- D-pleted – The Vitamin Many of Us Are Low on
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Does Osteoporosis Run In Your Family?
- Dr Gail Busby – I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – Episode 9 The Menopause
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences
- Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing
- Exercise To Stay Healthy
- Exercise for Bones
- Exercise for Your Bone Health
- Exercising With Osteoporosis: Stay Active the Safe Way
- Fact Sheets
- Food for Healthy Bones
- Frequently Asked Questions
- General Facts – Bone Health Basics: Get the Facts [+ Video: Osteoporosis Is A Silent Killer]
- Get A Bone Density Test
- Get the Facts on Calcium and Vitamin D
- HRT & Menopause Extra
- Health After Menopause: Bone Health & Osteoporosis
- Healthybonesaustralia.org.au [Healthy Bones, Australia]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) With Dr Nicky Peel & Prof. David Armstrong
- How To Prevent Osteoporosis After Menopause
- ‘If You Don’t Exercise, You Break’: Physical Activity Key In Osteoporosis Intervention
- Knowyourbones.org.au: “Check Your Bone Health Now!”
- Management of Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Women: The 2021 Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
- May Is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Osteoporosis and A Bone-Healthy Diet
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
- Menopause and Bone Loss
- NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center [National Institutes of Health, United States]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Osteoarthritis In Depth
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Bone Health
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Osteoporosis
- Nutrition: Food and Your Bones – Osteoporosis Nutrition Guidelines
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- Osteopedia [Glossary of Terms]
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis Drugs: Which One Is Right for You?
- Osteoporosis Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Osteoporosis Overview
- Osteoporosis Treatment
- Osteoporosis Treatment: Medications Can Help
- Osteoporosis – Multiply Languages
- Osteoporosis.Risk.Check.
- Osteoporosis.foundation [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
- Osteoporosis: Bone Health Following the Menopause
- Osteoporosis: How Long Must I Take Bisphosphonates?
- Overall Health: Emotional Aspects of Osteoporosis
- Overall Health: Managing Your Pain
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Prevent Broken Bones
- Preventing Osteoporosis: Questions for the Doctor
- Prevention
- Screening for Osteoporosis
- Signs & Symptoms of Osteoporosis
- Theros.org.uk [Royal Osteoporosis Society, United Kingdom]
- Treatment
- Treatment for Osteoporosis
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Bone Health
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Bone Health What Why and How
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Bone Health and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
- Vitamin D
- Webinars: Previous – Osteoporosis for Midlife Women and Beyond
- Webinars: Previous – Update on Bone Health
- What Foods Should A Person With Osteoporosis Avoid?
- What Is Osteoporosis?
- What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? [+ Video: What is Osteoporosis?]
- What Is Osteoporosis?
- What Women Need To Know
- Worldosteoporosisday.org [World Osteoporosis Day, October 20]
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- What Women Need To Know: Now the Good News. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- Osteopenia. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center https://www.bones.nih.gov/about/glossary/osteopenia Accessed: 18 January 2023
- About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 18 January 2023
- What Women Need To Know. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- What Women Need To Know: Menopause: A Time for Action. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- Calcium: Recommended Daily Calcium Intake. Last Updated: 16 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 01 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bone-health/calcium/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- Calcium: Recommended Daily Calcium Intake. Last Updated: 16 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 01 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bone-health/calcium/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- Epidemiology of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures Accessed: 18 January 2023
- What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Osteoporosis Is Common. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health. Royal Osteoporosis Society https://theros.org.uk/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- What Women Need To Know. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 18 January 2023
- What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Osteoporosis Can Sneak Up on You. National Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- Osteoporosis Overview: Causes of Osteoporosis. Last Reviewed: October 2019. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/overview Accessed: 18 January 2023
- What Women Need To Know: Now the Good News. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
- About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 18 January 2023
- Exercise for Your Bone Health: A Complete Osteoporosis Program. Last Reviewed: October 2018. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Exercise/default.asp Accessed: 18 January 2023