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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Osteoporosis (Weak Bones)

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing fracture risk. Learn about bone density testing, prevention strategies, and treatments including calcium, vitamin D, and medications available in Australia.

πŸ“…Last reviewed: January 2026πŸ₯Bones & Joints

πŸ“–What is Osteoporosis (Weak Bones)?

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing fracture risk. Learn about bone density testing, prevention strategies, and treatments including calcium, vitamin D, and medications available in Australia.

πŸ”¬What Causes It?

  • Aging - bone density naturally decreases after age 30-35
  • Menopause - loss of estrogen accelerates bone loss in women
  • Insufficient calcium and vitamin D throughout life
  • Long-term steroid medication use (prednisolone)
  • Overactive thyroid or parathyroid glands
  • Malabsorption conditions (coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Cancer treatments (hormone therapy for breast or prostate cancer)
  • Chronic kidney or liver disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis and some other inflammatory conditions

⚠️Risk Factors

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You may be at higher risk if:

  • Being female (women lose bone faster than men, especially after menopause)
  • Age over 50 (risk increases with age)
  • Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
  • Thin or small body frame (BMI under 19)
  • Early menopause (before age 45) or surgical removal of ovaries
  • Low testosterone in men
  • Never having had children (in women)
  • Long-term steroid use (more than 3 months)
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks daily)
  • Sedentary lifestyle and lack of weight-bearing exercise
  • Eating disorders or low body weight
  • Poor diet low in calcium and vitamin D
  • Asian or Caucasian ethnicity (higher risk than other ethnicities)

πŸ›‘οΈPrevention

  • βœ“Build strong bones in youth - adequate calcium and exercise during childhood/adolescence
  • βœ“Maintain calcium intake 1200mg daily from age 50 (dairy, fortified foods, supplements)
  • βœ“Vitamin D 800-1000 IU daily (sun exposure and supplements)
  • βœ“Regular weight-bearing exercise throughout life (walking, dancing, tennis, resistance training)
  • βœ“Don't smoke (smoking accelerates bone loss)
  • βœ“Limit alcohol to 2 standard drinks daily maximum
  • βœ“Maintain healthy body weight (being underweight increases risk)
  • βœ“Fall prevention in elderly (home safety, vision checks, appropriate footwear)
  • βœ“If taking steroids, discuss bone protection with doctor
  • βœ“Treat medical conditions affecting bones (thyroid, coeliac disease, etc)
  • βœ“Consider bone density testing at menopause or age 50 if risk factors