Health guide
Learn what osteoporosis is, how it affects bones and why it increases the risk of fractures.
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose strength and become more likely to break.
It can affect both women and men, although the risk increases with age and is particularly important for many women after menopause.
Osteoporosis often develops gradually without causing noticeable symptoms. Some people only discover that they have the condition after experiencing a fracture.
Understanding osteoporosis can help people recognize their risk, seek appropriate assessment and take steps to protect their bone health.
Bone is living tissue that is continually broken down and replaced.
Osteoporosis develops when changes in bone mass or bone structure reduce its overall strength.
The condition makes fractures more likely, sometimes after a fall or an injury that would not normally be expected to break a healthy bone.
Osteoporosis differs from osteoarthritis. Osteoporosis primarily affects bone strength, while osteoarthritis is a condition affecting joints.
A person can have either condition or both, but they require different approaches to assessment and care.
Several factors can contribute to osteoporosis.
During ageing, the balance between bone formation and bone removal may change, resulting in gradual bone loss.
In women, reduced estrogen levels around menopause can accelerate this process.
Other possible contributing factors include:
Some risk factors cannot be changed, but others may be modified or managed.
Osteoporosis is often described as a silent disease because people may not experience symptoms while their bones are becoming weaker.
The condition may first become apparent when a fracture occurs.
Possible signs of an osteoporosis-related vertebral fracture include new back pain, loss of height or a change in spinal posture.
However, these findings can have several causes and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Osteoporosis does not necessarily cause general pain throughout the body.
A fragility fracture is a fracture that occurs after relatively minor trauma, such as a fall from standing height or less, that would not usually be expected to break a healthy bone.
Common sites include the hip, wrist and vertebrae of the spine.
Fragility fractures can have serious consequences, particularly in older adults. Hip fractures may require surgery and can lead to prolonged recovery or reduced independence.
A fragility fracture should raise the question of whether an underlying bone-health problem needs assessment.
Not every fracture after a minor fall is caused by osteoporosis, but the possibility should not be overlooked.
A healthcare professional considers several factors, including age, sex, medical history, medicines and previous fractures.
A bone-density test, commonly known as a DXA or DEXA scan, can measure bone mineral density and help diagnose osteoporosis.
Other investigations may be used when an underlying medical condition or nutritional problem is suspected.
Access to bone-density testing varies between healthcare facilities. A clinician can determine the most appropriate assessment based on the person's circumstances and available services.
The risk of osteoporosis can often be reduced, although it cannot be completely eliminated.
Important measures include:
A healthy lifestyle is valuable, but it may not be sufficient treatment for someone who already has osteoporosis or is at high risk of fracture.
Treatment aims to protect bone health and reduce the likelihood of fractures.
A care plan may involve nutrition, exercise, fall prevention and medication when indicated.
Several types of prescription medicine can reduce fracture risk in appropriately selected patients.
The choice of treatment depends on the individual's fracture risk, other health conditions and relevant clinical guidance.
Do not start or stop osteoporosis medicines without professional advice.
Consider an assessment if you have had a fracture after minor trauma, have several osteoporosis risk factors or have been advised that your bones may be weak.
New severe back pain, significant loss of height or changes in posture may also require evaluation.
A suspected hip fracture, severe pain after a fall or inability to stand requires urgent medical assessment.
No. Osteoporosis affects both women and men, although its frequency and risk patterns differ.
Yes. The condition may cause no noticeable symptoms before a fracture.
Yes. Appropriate treatment can help reduce fracture risk. The choice of treatment depends on individual circumstances.
References for editorial review: NIAMS, Osteoporosis; NIAMS, Preventing Another Broken Bone; and relevant osteoporosis-assessment guidance.
Clinical basis: NIAMS definitions, risk factors, diagnosis, fracture patterns and management information.
