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. 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 & 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 Royal Osteoporosis Society:

“Over three and a half million people in the UK are living with osteoporosis”.7

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”.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

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”.13

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

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. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. BMS TV: Osteoporosis
  5. Bone Density Scan (DEXA Scan)
  6. Bone Density Test
  7. Bone Health
  8. Bone Health
  9. Bone Health and Osteoporosis
  10. Bonehealth.org.au [Bone Health Foundation, Australia]
  11. Bonehealthandosteoporosis.org [Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  12. #BoneMatters Q&A: Nutrition
  13. Bones and Beyond: The Benefits of Self-Care for Both Body and Mind
  14. Bones, Joints and Muscles [Topics]
  15. Bonetalk.org [Bone Talk, United States]
  16. Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  17. Calcium Content of Common Foods
  18. Calcium and Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
  19. Calcium and Vitamin D
  20. Communication With Your Doctor and Healthcare Team
  21. Consumer Health: Osteoporosis and Exercise
  22. Consumer Health: Preventing Osteoporosis
  23. D-pleted – The Vitamin Many of Us Are Low On
  24. Does Osteoporosis Run In Your Family?
  25. Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing
  26. Exercise To Stay Healthy
  27. Exercise for Bones
  28. Exercise for Your Bone Health
  29. Exercising With Osteoporosis: Stay Active the Safe Way
  30. Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing
  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. Medicines for Prevention and Treatment
  48. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  49. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  50. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  51. Menopause Wellness Hub
  52. Menopause and Bone Loss
  53. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  54. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  55. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center [National Institutes of Health, United States]
  56. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Bone Health
  57. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [United States]: Osteoporosis
  58. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  59. Nutrition In Menopause
  60. Nutrition: Food and Your Bones – Osteoporosis Nutrition Guidelines
  61. Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
  62. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
  63. Osteopedia [Glossary of Terms]
  64. Osteopenia
  65. Osteoporosis
  66. Osteoporosis
  67. Osteoporosis
  68. Osteoporosis
  69. Osteoporosis
  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. Overall Health: Emotional Aspects of Osteoporosis
  77. Overall Health: Managing Your Pain
  78. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  79. Preventing Osteoporosis: Questions for the Doctor
  80. Prevention
  81. Sarcopenia
  82. Screening for Osteoporosis
  83. Signs & Symptoms of Osteoporosis
  84. Staying Healthy During and After Menopause
  85. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  86. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  87. Theros.org.uk [Royal Osteoporosis Society, United Kingdom]
  88. Treatment
  89. Treatment for Osteoporosis
  90. Updates on Exercise and Lifestyle Tips for Bone Strength With Joanne Fagerstrom, PT CFP
  91. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  93. Vitamin D
  94. Webinars: Previous – Osteoporosis for Midlife Women and Beyond
  95. What Is A Bone Density Test (DXA Scan) [+ Video: Testing & Diagnosis)
  96. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? [+ Video: What is Osteoporosis?]
  97. What Is Osteoporosis?
  98. What Women Need To Know
  99. What’s the Connection Between Estrogen and Osteoporosis?
  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: 24 December 2023
  2. Varacallo, M., Seaman, T. J., Jagmohan S., Jandu, J. S., Pizzutillo, P. Osteopenia. Last Update: 04 August 2023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499878/ Accessed: 24 December 2023
  3. What Is Osteoporosis? About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 24 December 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: 24 December 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: 24 December 2023
  6. What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Osteoporosis Is Common. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ Accessed: 24 December 2023
  7. Osteoporosis and Bone Health. Royal Osteoporosis Society https://theros.org.uk/ Accessed: 24 December 2023
  8. What Women Need To Know. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.nof.org/prevention/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/ Accessed: 24 December 2023
  9. What Is Osteoporosis? About Osteoporosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 24 December 2023
  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: 24 December 2023
  11. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing. International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 24 December 2023
  12. Diagnosis. International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/diagnosis Accessed: 24 December 2023
  13. About Osteoporosis: Have Risk Factors? Talk To Your Doctor, Ask for Testing. International Osteoporosis Foundation http://worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis Accessed: 24 December 2023
Topic Last Updated: 24 December 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 24 December 2023

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