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) Bone Health & 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”.6

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:

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 elaborate on 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”.11

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”.12

In the United Kingdom, according to the NHS:

“Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK”.13

Women

How many women have osteoporosis?

In the United States, the BHOF explain:

Osteoporosis

  • “Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women”.14

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”.165

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”.16

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”.17

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!”18

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.

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”.19 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”.20

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. A Guide To Calcium Rich Foods
  2. About Osteoporosis
  3. About Osteoporosis
  4. Bone Basics
  5. Bone Density
  6. Bone Density Exam/Testing
  7. Bone Density Scan (DEXA Scan)
  8. Bone Density Test
  9. Bone Health
  10. Bone Health
  11. Bonehealth.org.au [Bone Health Foundation, Australia]
  12. Bonehealthandosteoporosis.org [Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  13. Bones, Joints and Muscles [Topics]
  14. Calcium and Vitamin D
  15. Causes of Osteoporosis & Osteopenia
  16. Communication With Your Doctor and Healthcare Team: Be Prepared for Your Visit
  17. Consumer Health: Staying Active and Exercising With Osteoporosis
  18. Consumer Health: Treating Osteoporosis
  19. D-pleted – The Vitamin Many of Us Are Low on
  20. Does Osteoporosis Run In Your Family?
  21. Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
  22. Exercise To Stay Healthy
  23. Exercise for Bones
  24. Exercise for Your Bone Health
  25. Exercising With Osteoporosis: Stay Active the Safe Way
  26. Fact Sheets
  27. Frequently Asked Questions
  28. General Facts – Bone Health Basics: Get the Facts [+ Video: Osteoporosis Is A Silent Killer]
  29. Get A Bone Density Test
  30. Get the Facts on Calcium and Vitamin D
  31. Health After Menopause: Bone Health & Osteoporosis
  32. Healthy Body: Food for Healthy Bones
  33. Healthy Body: How To Get Vitamin D From Sunlight
  34. Healthybonesaustralia.org.au [Healthy Bones, Australia]
  35. Housecall: What Can You Do To Keep Your Bones Healthy for A Lifetime?
  36. How To Keep Your Bones Strong
  37. IOF Global Patient Charter [International Osteoporosis Foundation
  38. International Osteoporosis Foundation
  39. Knowyourbones.org.au: “Check Your Bone Health Now!”
  40. Management of Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Women: The 2021 Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
  41. May Is National Osteoporosis Month [May, United States]
  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: Osteoarthritis In Depth
  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: 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 Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  64. Osteoporosis Overview
  65. Osteoporosis Treatment Options
  66. Osteoporosis Treatment: Medications Can Help
  67. Osteoporosis and Arthritis: Two Common But Different Conditions
  68. Osteoporosis and Nutrition: 5 Key Steps
  69. Osteoporosis – Multiply Languages
  70. Osteoporosis – What Are the Risks?
  71. Osteoporosis.Risk.Check. Osteoporosis.Risk.Check.
  72. Osteoporosis: Bone Health Following the Menopause
  73. Osteoporosis: How Long Must I Take Bisphosphonates?
  74. Osteoporosis: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  75. Overall Health: Emotional Aspects of Osteoporosis
  76. Overall Health: Managing Your Pain
  77. Patient Stories
  78. Prevent Broken Bones
  79. Preventing Osteoporosis: Questions for the Doctor
  80. Prevention
  81. Prevention and Healthy Living
  82. Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Bone Health and Osteoporosis
  83. Signs & Symptoms of Osteoporosis
  84. Theros.org.uk [Royal Osteoporosis Society, United Kingdom]
  85. Treatment
  86. Treatment for Osteoporosis
  87. Versusarthritis.org [Versus Arthritis, United Kingdom]
  88. What Breast Cancer Survivors Need To Know About Osteoporosis
  89. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Bone Health and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  90. Videos and Podcasts: World Menopause Day 2021 – Interviews: Bone Health
  91. Videos and Podcasts: World Menopause Day 2021 – Interviews: Bone Health What Why and How
  92. Webinars: Previous – Update on Bone Health
  93. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? [+ Video: What Is Osteoporosis?]
  94. What Is Osteoporosis?
  95. What Women Need To Know
  96. Women’s Wellness: Risks of Osteoporosis
  97. World Menopause Day Osteoporosis
  98. World Menopause Day – Patient Information Leaflet: Update on Bone Health [Multiply Languages]
  99. World Menopause Day: Update on Bone Health: The IMS White Paper [Multiply Languages] Osteoporosis
  100. 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. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 06 January 2022
  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: 06 January 2022
  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: 06 January 2022
  4. Osteopenia. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center https://www.bones.nih.gov/about/glossary/osteopenia Accessed: 06 January 2022
  5. About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 06 January 2022
  6. What Women Need To Know. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 06 January 2022
  7. 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: 06 January 2022
  8. Osteoporosis. Content Updated September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/622-osteoporosis Accessed: 06 January 2022
  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: 06 January 2022
  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: 06 January 2022
  11. Epidemiology of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures Accessed: 06 January 2022
  12. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Osteoporosis Is Common. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ Accessed: 06 January 2022
  13. Osteoporosis: Who’s Affected By Osteoporosis? Page Last Reviewed: 18 June 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/#whos-affected Accessed: 06 January 2022
  14. What Women Need To Know. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 06 January 2022
  15. About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 06 January 2022
  16. 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: 06 January 2022
  17. 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: 06 January 2022
  18. 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: 06 January 2022
  19. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 06 January 2022
  20. 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: 06 January 2022

Topic Last Updated: 06 January 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 06 January 2022
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