Osteoporosis: bone Density
What causes osteoporosis?
In childhood, bones grow and repair very quickly, but this process slows as you get older. Bones stop growing in length between the ages of 16 and 18, but continue to increase in density until you are in your late 20s. From about the age of 35, you gradually lose bone density. This is a normal part of ageing, but for some people it can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
Other things that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis include: diseases of the hormone producing glands – such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) a family history of osteoporosis long-term use of certain medications that affect bone strength or hormone levels, for example, oral prednisolone malabsorption problems heavy drinking and smoking
Read more about the causes of osteoporosis.
Symptoms of osteoporosis
There are often no warning signs for osteoporosis until someone experiences a fracture, often after a minor fall.
The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis are wrist fractures, hip fractures or fractures of the spinal bones (vertebrae).
Read more about the symptoms of osteoporosis.
If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, or are at high risk of developing the condition, you may be referred for a bone density scan (DEXA scan). This is a short and painless procedure that helps to assess your risk of a fracture.
Read more about diagnosing osteoporosis.
Treating osteoporosis
Treatment for osteoporosis is based on treating and preventing fractures and using medication to strengthen your bones.
However, the decision about what treatment, if any, you have will depend on your risk of fracture. This will be based on a number of things such as the results of your DEXA scan and your age.
Read more about how osteoporosis is treated.
Preventing osteoporosis
It is important that people at risk of osteoporosis take steps to help keep bones healthy and reduce their risk of developing the condition.
In childhood, bones grow and repair very quickly, but this process slows as you get older. Bones stop growing in length between the ages of 16 and 18, but continue to increase in density until you are in your late 20s. From about the age of 35, you gradually lose bone density. This is a normal part of ageing, but for some people it can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
Other things that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis include: diseases of the hormone producing glands – such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) a family history of osteoporosis long-term use of certain medications that affect bone strength or hormone levels, for example, oral prednisolone malabsorption problems heavy drinking and smoking
Read more about the causes of osteoporosis.
Symptoms of osteoporosis
There are often no warning signs for osteoporosis until someone experiences a fracture, often after a minor fall.
The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis are wrist fractures, hip fractures or fractures of the spinal bones (vertebrae).
Read more about the symptoms of osteoporosis.
If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, or are at high risk of developing the condition, you may be referred for a bone density scan (DEXA scan). This is a short and painless procedure that helps to assess your risk of a fracture.
Read more about diagnosing osteoporosis.
Treating osteoporosis
Treatment for osteoporosis is based on treating and preventing fractures and using medication to strengthen your bones.
However, the decision about what treatment, if any, you have will depend on your risk of fracture. This will be based on a number of things such as the results of your DEXA scan and your age.
Read more about how osteoporosis is treated.
Preventing osteoporosis
It is important that people at risk of osteoporosis take steps to help keep bones healthy and reduce their risk of developing the condition.