What should you know about osteoporosis in women?

Bone is living tissue that is continually renewed. Osteoporosis develops when breakdown outpaces rebuilding, leaving bones less able to tolerate an ordinary fall or load. The spine, hip and wrist are common fracture sites. A vertebral fracture may feel like sudden back pain, cause loss of height, or change posture, while some fractures are found during an assessment rather than at the time they occur.

Risk can rise around menopause as oestrogen levels change, and it may also be affected by family history, low body weight, smoking, heavy alcohol use, limited movement, or medicines such as long-term steroids. Having a risk factor does not confirm osteoporosis; a clinician combines your history with examination and, when appropriate, a bone-density scan.

Arrange a medical review if you have had a low-impact fracture, a noticeable change in height, or risk factors that concern you. Ask whether bone-density testing is suitable and review medicines that may affect bone. Keep active with weight-bearing movement and strength exercises suited to your fitness, and include balance practice to reduce falls. Adequate calcium and vitamin D should come from a personalised dietary plan or supplements when advised. Avoid smoking and keep alcohol within safer limits.

Seek urgent assessment after a fall or twist that causes severe pain, inability to use a limb, a new deformity, or trouble standing. Prompt review is also sensible for sudden severe back pain, especially with a new stooped posture or loss of height. Emergency help is needed for weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control alongside back pain.

Ask which factors affect your fracture risk, whether a bone-density scan is appropriate, and which exercises are safe for your spine and hips. You can also ask how calcium and vitamin D fit your diet, whether any current medicine needs review, and how treatment would be monitored.