Osteoporosis is a common disease affecting an estimated 1.2 million Australians and a further 6.3 million people have low bone density1. The condition causes bones to become thin and fragile and a relatively minor bump or fall can result in a broken bone or fracture in a person suffering from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can affect any bone in the body but the most common areas affected are the wrist, spine and hip.
Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals, such as calcium, more quickly than the body can replace it, resulting in a loss of bone density. Osteoporosis usually has no symptoms until a fracture occurs, hence why osteoporosis is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’ and why you should speak to your community pharmacist about Bone Density Testing.
- From the age of 65 for women and 70 for men;
- If you break a bone after age 50;
- Menopausal women with risk factors (described below);
- Post-menopausal women under the age of 65 with risk factors;
- and men aged 50 to 69 with risk factors.
Bone density testing is non-invasive and is the only test that can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs.
Risk factors for osteoporosis can include
- Family history – your bone health can be strongly linked to your family history. Therefore it is important to be aware if your parents or siblings have ever been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
- Your vitamin D and calcium levels – to keep your vitamin D levels balanced you need to have some daily sun exposure. Having the appropriate calcium and vitamin D levels will reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis and further support your overall bone health.
- Your medical history – certain medications and conditions can affect your bone health, including: Thyroid conditions, chronic liver or kidney disease, low hormone levels, corticosteroids and some medicines used to treat prostate cancer, breast
cancer, depression and epilepsy. - Lifestyle factors can also impact your likelihood of getting osteoporosis, including low levels of physical activity, excessive alcohol intake, smoking and weight (both underweight and overweight).
Preventing falls
Because small falls can lead to fractures, taking steps to prevent falls is very important for osteoporosis sufferers. Falls can be caused by poor vision and muscle strength, problems with balance and household tripping hazardous. In terms of muscle strength and balance a physiotherapist can advise you on programs that will increase your strength and balance. Occupational therapists can also provide advice on changes and improvements that can be made around the home to make it more osteoporosis-friendly. This may include non-slip strips in bathrooms and on stairs, maintenance of outdoor paths and installing handrails near steps and in bathrooms.
Treatment options for Osteoporosis
There is a wide range of medications available to treat osteoporosis. Your doctor will decide the appropriate treatment for your situation and you can speak to your community pharmacist at Capital Chemist Garan if you have any questions about medicines you have been prescribed.