Osteoporosis

“In fact, a woman can lose up to 20% of her bone density during the five –
seven years following menopause”.1

Umbrella
What may the Osteoporosis Umbrella include?

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

  • Low Bone Density/Mass
  • Osteoporosis
  • Porous Bones

Terminology

Is osteoporosis the same as osteoarthritis?

Although the terms osteoporosis and osteoarthritis may appear similar, they are different.

In Osteoporosis and Arthritis: Two Common But Different Conditions – Arthritis the (United States National Institutes of Health) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases’ NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center explain:

“Although osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are two very different medical conditions with little in common, the similarity of their names causes great confusion. These conditions develop differently, have different symptoms, are diagnosed differently, and are treated differently”.2

Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis?

DotS the definition of osteoarthritis may vary. The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center’s definition is:

  • “Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, degenerative joint disease that often involves the hips, knees, neck, lower back, or small joints of the hands. OA usually develops in joints that are injured by repeated overuse from performing a particular task or playing a favorite sport or from carrying around excess body weight. Eventually this injury or repeated impact thins or wears away the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the joint. As a result, the bones rub together, causing a grating sensation. Joint flexibility is reduced, bony spurs develop, and the joint swells. Usually, the first symptom of OA is pain that worsens following exercise or immobility”.3

Osteopenia

What is osteopenia?

DotS the definition of osteopenia may vary. The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center’s definition is:

“Osteopenia. Low bone mass”.4

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”.5

Women

Why are women more likely to get osteoporosis than men?

In What Women Need To Know the (United States) National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) 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”.6

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and bone loss?

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

National Osteoporosis Month May 2020

“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”.7

The Australasian Menopause Society note:

“The female sex hormone oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone strength. After menopause oestrogen levels drop and this may result in increased bone loss. The average woman loses up to 10 per cent of her bone mass in the first five years after menopause”.8

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”.9

The JH also add:

  • “After this period of time the rate of bone loss is reduced and stabilises”.10

Common or Not

How common is osteoporosis?

In Epidemiology of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures the IOF quote this statistic from a Source dated 2007:

  • “Osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million women worldwide – approximately one-tenth of women aged 60, one-fifth of women aged 70, two-fifths of women aged 80 and two-thirds of women aged 90”.11

In Epidemiology of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures the IOF quote this statistic from a Source dated 2006:

  • “Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporosis fracture every 3 seconds”.12

In the United States, according to the NOF:

“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”.13

In the United Kingdom, according to the NHS:

“Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK”.14

Women

How many women have osteoporosis?

In the United States, the NOF explain:

Osteoporosis

  • “Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women”.15

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”.16

In What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Osteoporosis Can Sneak Up on You the NOF 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”.17

Diagnosis

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center explain:

“Osteoporosis is diagnosed by a bone mineral density test, which is a safe and painless way to detect low bone density”.18

Prevention

How may osteoporosis be prevented?

The NOF 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!”19

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 One-Minute Osteoporosis Risk Test.

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”.20 Osteoporosis.Risk.Check.

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:

“Remember, exercise is only one part of an osteoporosis prevention or treatment program. Like a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercise helps strengthen bones at any age. But proper exercise and diet may not be enough to stop bone loss caused by medical conditions, menopause, or lifestyle choices such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. It is important to speak with your doctor about your bone health. Discuss whether you might be a candidate for a bone mineral density test. If you are diagnosed with low bone mass, ask what medications might help keep your bones strong”.21

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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.

  1. About Osteoporosis
  2. Bone Basics
  3. Bone Density
  4. Bone Density Exam/Testing
  5. Bone Density Scan (DEXA Scan)
  6. Bone Density Test
  7. Bone Health
  8. Bonehealth.org.au [Bone Health Foundation, Australia]
  9. Bones, Joints and Muscles [Topics]
  10. Calcium Content of Common Foods
  11. Calcium and Vitamin D
  12. Causes of Osteoporosis & Osteopenia
  13. Communication With Your Doctor and Healthcare Team: Be Prepared for Your Visit
  14. Consumer Health: Staying Active and Exercising With Osteoporosis
  15. Consumer Health: Treating Osteoporosis
  16. Does Osteoporosis Run In Your Family?
  17. Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
  18. Exercise Recommendations
  19. Exercise To Stay Healthy
  20. Exercise for Bones
  21. Exercise for Your Bone Health
  22. Exercising With Osteoporosis: Stay Active the Safe Way
  23. Fact Sheets
  24. Frequently Asked Questions
  25. General Facts – Bone Health Basics: Get the Facts [+ Video: Osteoporosis Is A Silent Killer]
  26. Get A Bone Density Test
  27. Get the Facts on Calcium and Vitamin D
  28. Health After Menopause: Bone Health & Osteoporosis
  29. Healthy Body: How To Get Vitamin D From Sunlight
  30. Healthy Body: Menopause and Your Bone Health
  31. Healthy Bones for A Lifetime
  32. Housecall: What Can You Do To Keep Your Bones Healthy for A Lifetime?
  33. How Long Should You Take Certain Osteoporosis Drugs?
  34. How To Keep Your Bones Strong
  35. International Osteoporosis Foundation
  36. Knowyourbones.org.au: Know Your Bones Bone Health Assessment Tool
  37. Living With Osteoporosis
  38. Looking After Your Bones
  39. Management of Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Women: The 2021 Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
  40. May Is National Osteoporosis Month [May, United States] Osteoporosis
  41. May Is National Osteoporosis Month: Webinar Preventing and Managing Osteoporosis With Physical Therapy
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Osteoporosis Affects Men [+ Video]
  43. Mayo Clinic Minute: Osteoporosis Is Soft Bones [+ Video]
  44. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Who Should Have A Bone Density Test?
  45. Menopause – How Will It Affect My Health? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  46. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center [National Institutes of Health, United States]
  47. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  48. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Understanding Bone Health
  49. National Osteoporosis Foundation [United States]
  50. Nutrition: Food and Your Bones – Osteoporosis Nutrition Guidelines
  51. Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
  52. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
  53. Osteopedia [Glossary of Terms]
  54. Osteopenia
  55. Osteoporosis
  56. Osteoporosis
  57. Osteoporosis
  58. Osteoporosis
  59. Osteoporosis
  60. Osteoporosis
  61. Osteoporosis
  62. Osteoporosis
  63. Osteoporosis
  64. Osteoporosis Australia
  65. Osteoporosis Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  66. Osteoporosis Overview
  67. Osteoporosis Treatment: Medications Can Help
  68. Osteoporosis and African American Women
  69. Osteoporosis and Arthritis: Two Common But Different Conditions
  70. Osteoporosis and Asian American Women
  71. Osteoporosis and Hispanic Women
  72. Osteoporosis and Nutrition: 5 Key Steps
  73. Osteoporosis – Multiply Languages
  74. Osteoporosis – What Are the Risks?
  75. Osteoporosis.Risk.Check. Osteoporosis.Risk.Check.
  76. Osteoporosis: Bone Health Following the Menopause
  77. Osteoporosis: How Long Do I Need To Take Bisphosphonates?
  78. Osteoporosis: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  79. Overall Health: Emotional Aspects of Osteoporosis
  80. Overall Health: Managing Your Pain
  81. Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Women Guideline Resources
  82. Prevent Broken Bones
  83. Preventing Osteoporosis: Questions for the Doctor
  84. Prevention
  85. Prevention and Healthy Living
  86. Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Bone Health and Osteoporosis
  87. Signs & Symptoms of Osteoporosis
  88. Theros.org.uk [Royal Osteoporosis Society, United Kingdom]
  89. Treating Osteoporosis
  90. Treatment
  91. Versusarthritis.org
  92. Video Series-2020 – Bone Health What You Need to Know
  93. What Breast Cancer Survivors Need To Know About Osteoporosis
  94. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? [+ Video: What Is Osteoporosis?]
  95. What Is Osteoporosis?
  96. What Is Osteoporosis?
  97. What Women Need To Know: Losing Bone Mass
  98. Women’s Wellness: Risks of Osteoporosis
  99. World Osteoporosis Day October 20 Osteoporosis

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. What Women Need To Know: Menopause: A Time for Action. National Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 21 July 2021
  2. Osteoporosis and Arthritis: Two Common But Different Conditions – Arthritis. Last Reviewed: December 2018. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/conditions-behaviors/osteoporosis-arthritis#a Accessed: 21 July 2021
  3. Osteoporosis and Arthritis: Two Common But Different Conditions – Arthritis: Osteoarthritis. Last Reviewed: December 2018. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/conditions-behaviors/osteoporosis-arthritis#a Accessed: 21 July 2021
  4. Osteopenia. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center https://www.bones.nih.gov/about/glossary/osteopenia Accessed: 21 July 2021
  5. About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 21 July 2021
  6. What Women Need To Know. National Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 21 July 2021
  7. What Women Need To Know: Menopause: A Time for Action. National Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 21 July 2021
  8. Osteoporosis. Content Updated September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/622-osteoporosis Accessed: 21 July 2021
  9. Calcium: Recommended Daily Calcium Intake. Last Updated: 29 September 2020 | Last Reviewed: 15 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bone-health/calcium/ Accessed: 21 July 2021
  10. Calcium: Recommended Daily Calcium Intake. Last Updated: 29 September 2020  | Last Reviewed: 15 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bone-health/calcium/ Accessed: 21 July 2021
  11. Epidemiology of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures Accessed: 21 July 2021
  12. Epidemiology of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures Accessed: 21 July 2021
  13. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Osteoporosis Is Common. National Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ Accessed: 21 July 2021
  14. Osteoporosis: Who’s Affected By Osteoporosis? Page Last Reviewed: 18 June 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/#whos-affected Accessed: 21 July 2021
  15. What Women Need To Know. National Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 21 July 2021
  16. About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 21 July 2021
  17. 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: 21 July 2021
  18. Osteoporosis and Arthritis: Two Common But Different Conditions – Osteoporosis. Last Reviewed: December 2018. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/Conditions_Behaviors/osteoporosis_arthritis.asp Accessed: 21 July 2021
  19. What Women Need To Know: Now the Good News. National Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 21 July 2021
  20. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 21 July 2021
  21. 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: 21 July 2021

Topic Last Updated: 03 September 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 21 July 2021
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by
You might also like
Menopause Oral Health
Women’s Health Initiative
Menopause or Aging
Hormone Therapy and SERMs
Hormone Therapy and Aging
Postmenopause Statistics