Check if you're at risk of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is common. It's most common in older adults and women after the menopause, but anyone can have it.
It develops slowly over several years. There are usually no obvious symptoms, so you may not realise you have it unless you break a bone.
Things that increase your chances of having osteoporosis include:
- your age – you're at higher risk as you get older
- the menopause
- either of your parents having osteoporosis
- coming from a white ethnic background
- not having enough calcium or vitamin D
- being underweight
- smoking
- drinking too much alcohol
- not getting much exercise
- some health conditions – such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
- taking steroid tablets
Symptoms of osteoporosis
You can have osteoporosis without getting any symptoms.
Often, the first symptom will be breaking a bone after a minor fall or injury.
Other symptoms of osteoporosis can include:
- back pain
- a curved spine or hunched posture
- getting shorter
These symptoms can be caused by small breaks in the bones of your spine.
When and where to get medical help
It's important to get medical help if you think you might have osteoporosis or have symptoms of a possible broken bone.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have back pain that is not getting better after a few weeks
- your spine becomes curved or your posture becomes hunched
- you think you may be at risk of osteoporosis and you're worried
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you've recently had a fall or injury and the pain is not getting better
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you have severe pain after a fall or injury
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
How osteoporosis is diagnosed
To check if you have osteoporosis, your GP will assess your risk and ask about any symptoms you have. They may also examine you.
They may refer you for a bone density scan (DEXA scan) to check how strong your bones are.
Treatments for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a long-term condition, but there are medicines you can take to help keep your bones stronger for longer.
There are medicines that can stop or slow down damage to your bones (bisphosphonates) and medicines that speed up the building of new bone (anabolic agents).
The treatment that works best for you will depend on things like the results of your bone density scan, your age and your sex.
Your doctor will talk to you about the treatment options so you can decide together what is best for you.
Things you can do to keep your bones strong
If you have osteoporosis, or you're at higher risk of getting it in the future, there are things you can do to help keep your bones strong.
Do
-
eat plenty of food high in calcium, and take a calcium supplement if your doctor prescribes it
-
get enough vitamin D from sunlight in summer and from a supplement in winter – your doctor may prescribe a vitamin D supplement to take all year round
-
eat a balanced diet – eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, get enough protein and limit salt
-
exercise regularly – include weight-bearing exercise, strengthening exercises and balance exercises
-
reduce the chance of having falls – for example, wear shoes with good grip and use a nonslip mat in your bath or shower
-
be careful moving and lifting things to reduce the strain on your body
-
take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you're offered it for menopause symptoms
Don't
-
do not drink too much alcohol
NHS help to get healthy
NHS Better Health has free tools and support to help you lose weight, get active, quit smoking and drink less.
How osteoporosis affects your life
If you have osteoporosis, your risk of breaking bones is higher. Even a minor fall could lead to a break.
It can also take longer to recover from a broken bone as you get older.
But if you do what you can to protect yourself and keep your bones as strong as possible, you should be able to carry on with most of your normal activities.
Help and support for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can be difficult to live with, both physically and emotionally.
As well as support from your doctor, you may find it helpful to get support from other people with osteoporosis, either at a local support group or online.
There are also national charities that can offer support and information.
Royal Osteoporosis Society
Information and support for anyone affected by osteoporosis, including a helpline, support groups, an online community and booklets to download.