Osteoporosis

“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:

“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 & 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:


Osteoporosis“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

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:


Osteoporosis

  • “Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women”.11

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:

“Doctors usually diagnose osteoporosis during routine screening for the disease. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for:

  • 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:

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

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:

“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”.17

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.

New or Updated

  1. A Guide To Calcium Rich Foods
  2. About Osteoporosis
  3. Bone Basics
  4. Bone Density Exam/Testing
  5. Bone Density Scan (DEXA Scan)
  6. Bone Density Test
  7. Bone Health
  8. Bone Health
  9. Bonehealth.org.au [Bone Health Foundation, Australia]
  10. Bonehealthandosteoporosis.org [Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  11. #BoneMatters Q&A: Nutrition
  12. Bones, Joints and Muscles [Topics]
  13. Bonetalk.org [Bone Talk, United States]
  14. Calcium Content of Common Foods
  15. Calcium and Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
  16. Calcium and Vitamin D
  17. Causes of Osteoporosis & Osteopenia
  18. Communication With Your Doctor and Healthcare Team
  19. Consumer Health: Osteoporosis and Exercise
  20. Consumer Health: Treating Osteoporosis
  21. D-pleted – The Vitamin Many of Us Are Low on
  22. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  23. Does Osteoporosis Run In Your Family?
  24. Dr Gail Busby – I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – Episode 9 The Menopause
  25. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences
  26. Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing
  27. Exercise To Stay Healthy
  28. Exercise for Bones
  29. Exercise for Your Bone Health
  30. Exercising With Osteoporosis: Stay Active the Safe Way
  31. Fact Sheets
  32. Food for Healthy Bones
  33. Frequently Asked Questions
  34. General Facts – Bone Health Basics: Get the Facts [+ Video: Osteoporosis Is A Silent Killer]
  35. Get A Bone Density Test
  36. Get the Facts on Calcium and Vitamin D
  37. HRT & Menopause Extra
  38. Health After Menopause: Bone Health & Osteoporosis
  39. Healthybonesaustralia.org.au [Healthy Bones, Australia]
  40. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) With Dr Nicky Peel & Prof. David Armstrong
  41. How To Prevent Osteoporosis After Menopause
  42. ‘If You Don’t Exercise, You Break’: Physical Activity Key In Osteoporosis Intervention
  43. Knowyourbones.org.au: “Check Your Bone Health Now!”
  44. Management of Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Women: The 2021 Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
  45. May Is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
  46. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Osteoporosis and A Bone-Healthy Diet
  47. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  48. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  49. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  50. Menopause and Bone Loss
  51. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center [National Institutes of Health, United States]
  52. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Osteoarthritis In Depth
  53. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Bone Health
  54. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Osteoporosis
  55. Nutrition: Food and Your Bones – Osteoporosis Nutrition Guidelines
  56. Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
  57. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
  58. Osteopedia [Glossary of Terms]
  59. Osteopenia
  60. Osteoporosis
  61. Osteoporosis
  62. Osteoporosis
  63. Osteoporosis
  64. Osteoporosis
  65. Osteoporosis
  66. Osteoporosis
  67. Osteoporosis
  68. Osteoporosis Drugs: Which One Is Right for You?
  69. Osteoporosis Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  70. Osteoporosis Overview
  71. Osteoporosis Treatment
  72. Osteoporosis Treatment: Medications Can Help
  73. Osteoporosis – Multiply Languages
  74. Osteoporosis.Risk.Check.
  75. Osteoporosis.foundation [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  76. Osteoporosis: Bone Health Following the Menopause
  77. Osteoporosis: How Long Must I Take Bisphosphonates?
  78. Overall Health: Emotional Aspects of Osteoporosis
  79. Overall Health: Managing Your Pain
  80. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  81. Prevent Broken Bones
  82. Preventing Osteoporosis: Questions for the Doctor
  83. Prevention
  84. Screening for Osteoporosis
  85. Signs & Symptoms of Osteoporosis
  86. Theros.org.uk [Royal Osteoporosis Society, United Kingdom]
  87. Treatment
  88. Treatment for Osteoporosis
  89. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Bone Health
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Bone Health What Why and How
  91. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Bone Health and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  92. Vitamin D
  93. Webinars: Previous – Osteoporosis for Midlife Women and Beyond
  94. Webinars: Previous – Update on Bone Health
  95. What Foods Should A Person With Osteoporosis Avoid?
  96. What Is Osteoporosis?
  97. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? [+ Video: What is Osteoporosis?]
  98. What Is Osteoporosis?
  99. What Women Need To Know
  100. Worldosteoporosisday.org [World Osteoporosis Day, October 20]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. 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
  2. Osteopenia. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center https://www.bones.nih.gov/about/glossary/osteopenia Accessed: 18 January 2023
  3. About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 18 January 2023
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Osteoporosis and Bone Health. Royal Osteoporosis Society https://theros.org.uk/ Accessed: 18 January 2023
  11. 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
  12. About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 18 January 2023
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 18 January 2023
  17. 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
Topic Last Updated: 26 February 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 18 January 2023

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