Bone Health
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis means thin, or porous bones. Bones affected by osteoporosis are less dense than normal bones. They are also more likely to break, even as a result of a minor bump or fall, or even without an injury.
It is around four times more common in women than men, and most common in women who have been through the menopause. About three million people in the UK are affected - one in three women and one in 12 men over the age of 50. Each year there are around 70,000 hip, 120,000 spine and 50,000 wrist fractures due to osteoporosis.
Many people are diagnosed too late in the condition. If you think you are at risk (see factors below), seek advice!!
Osteoporosis is not a disease of ‘old ladies’. Males and females, young and old can be affected.
For both men and women, the following factors increase the risk of developing osteoporosis:
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Women with low oestrogen levels (menopause, erratic or absent periods), and men who have low levels of the male hormone, testosterone, are at a higher risk of osteoporosis.
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Long-term use of steroid tablets
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A family history of broken hips,
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Digestive disorders that affect absorption of nutrients, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis,
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Lack of exercise Moderate weight bearing exercise keeps the bones strong during childhood and throughout adulthood. Anyone who does not exercise, or has an illness or disability which makes exercise difficult, will be more prone to losing calcium from the bones, and so more likely to develop osteoporosis. Exercise is therefore very important in preventing osteoporosis.
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Excessive exercise: Those who exercise very intensively, in particular endurance athletes with low body weight, are at an increased risk of osteoporosis at ceetain sites in their body. This may result in frequent stress fractures or poor healing of sports injuries, in addition to overt bone fracture. Males and females can be affected, although the condition is more frequently diagnosed in females. See 
The Female Athlete Triad for further information.
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Poor diet A diet that does not include enough calcium or a lack of vitamin D (form lack of sunshine) can make osteoporosis more likely.
View Vitamin D Deficiency information sheet.
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Heavy smoking Tobacco lowers the oestrogen level in women and may cause early menopause. In men, smoking lowers testosterone activity and this can weaken the bones.
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Heavy drinking A high alcohol intake reduces the ability of the body's cells to make bone.
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Very low body weight.
For further information about bone health and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, View the Osteoporosis information sheet.
