Osteoporosis

Key facts

• Osteoporosis is the gradual thinning of bone, leaving the skeleton more fragile and prone to fractures from falls or even minor knocks.
• It builds up silently over years, often with no symptoms until a wrist, hip, or spine bone breaks; women after menopause face the highest risk as declining oestrogen speeds bone loss.
• Bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid are the usual starting treatment, slowing the rate bone is broken down; raloxifene is another option for postmenopausal women, and calcium with vitamin D underpins any treatment plan.
• A fracture from a minor fall, height loss, or a stooping posture should prompt a bone density check.

How osteoporosis is treated

Treatment slows bone loss, keeps existing bone strong, and cuts the chance of a fracture. Bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid are a common starting point, reducing the rate at which bone is broken down. For women after menopause, raloxifene offers another route, mimicking some of oestrogen's bone-protective effects. Adequate calcium and vitamin D underpin any treatment, since bone cannot rebuild without the raw materials. You can see the full range on our bone support page.

Protecting your bones

Daily habits make a real difference. Weight-bearing exercise, walking, stair climbing, or resistance work signals the body to maintain bone. A diet with enough calcium and protein helps, and sensible sun exposure supports vitamin D, which can run low in anyone who spends most of the day indoors. Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol both ease the strain on bone. Because osteoporosis weighs heavily on women, especially after menopause, related concerns are covered on our women's health pages.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have had a fracture from a minor fall, or notice height loss or a stooping posture. A bone density scan can confirm the diagnosis before further fractures happen, and it guides which treatment fits best.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.