Conditions Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones, making them more likely to fracture or break. It can affect anyone but women are at a slightly higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men. Other factors can also increase your risk of developing the condition include a family history of osteoporosis, low BMI, having an eating disorder or drinking and smoking heavily.

Osteoporosis occurs when the cells that build new bone don’t work as quickly as those that remove old bone, resulting in an overall loss of bone tissue. This makes bones weaker and more fragile. Oestrogen helps protect bone strength and a reduction in this hormone following menopause can increase a woman’s risk of developing the condition. Research also shows that smoking and drinking too much alcohol can lead to bone loss.

Weight-bearing exercises are recommended to both stabilise the area around the bones and improve balance. Sometimes medication is prescribed to help strengthen bones alongside increasing amounts of calcium and vitamin D.