Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition, which makes the bones fragile.  There are usually no symptoms and it’s often only discovered when you break a bone in a minor accident or fall.  It mainly affects women, particularly after the menopause, and less commonly in men.  You are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis if you:

  • have needed steroid treatment for more than 3 months
  • have a family history of osteoporosis
  • don’t do much weight-bearing exercise
  • are a heavy drinker or smoker.

If you’re female, your risk may also be increased if you’ve:

  • been through the menopause especially if it was before the age of 45 (early menopause)
  • had your ovaries removed.

There are a number of treatments available for Osteoporosis including:

  • Calcium and vitamin D
  • Bisphosphonates (eg: alendronate, risedronate, zoledronate)
  • Teriparatide
  • Raloxifene
  • Strontium ranelate
  • Denosumab