Introduction

A broken bone can sometimes be the first obvious sign that a person's bones have been becoming weaker for years.

This is one reason osteoporosis is often described as a silent disease.

Osteoporosis develops when bone becomes less dense and its internal structure changes, reducing its strength and increasing the likelihood of fractures.

The condition becomes more common with age and is particularly important for women after menopause, although men can develop osteoporosis too.

Knowing your risk before a fracture occurs gives you an opportunity to discuss bone health, testing and preventive measures with a healthcare professional.

Bone may look solid and unchanging, but it is living tissue.

Throughout life, old bone is continuously broken down while new bone is formed.

During younger years, bone formation helps build and maintain bone mass. With ageing, the balance gradually changes and bone loss can begin to exceed bone formation.

Osteoporosis occurs when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, or when changes in bone structure make bones weaker.

Fragile bones are more likely to fracture following a relatively minor fall or injury.

The hip, spine and wrist are among the common sites of osteoporotic fractures.

Unlike some medical conditions, osteoporosis usually does not cause pain simply because bone density is falling.

You generally cannot feel your bones becoming thinner or weaker.

For some people, the first indication of osteoporosis is a fracture after a relatively minor fall.

Fractures involving the vertebrae of the spine can sometimes cause back pain, loss of height or a more stooped posture.

In severe osteoporosis, weakened bones may fracture under stresses that healthy bones would normally tolerate.

This lack of obvious early symptoms is why recognising risk factors and considering appropriate bone-density assessment can be important.

Why Are Hip Fractures So Important?

Any fracture can be painful, but hip fractures are particularly concerning in older adults.

They can require surgery, hospitalisation and rehabilitation, and may temporarily or permanently reduce mobility and independence.

Recovery can also be more difficult for older adults who have other medical conditions or reduced muscle strength.

Preventing fractures is therefore one of the major goals of osteoporosis treatment.

Osteoporosis can affect both women and men, but some people have a higher risk.

Age is an important factor because bone loss generally increases as people grow older.

Other recognised risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture, low body weight, previous fragility fractures and prolonged physical inactivity.

Certain medical conditions can also contribute to bone loss.

Long-term use of some medicines, particularly glucocorticoid steroids, can increase osteoporosis risk.

Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are additional lifestyle factors associated with poorer bone health and fracture risk.

Women generally have a greater risk of osteoporosis than men.

One important reason is the decline in estrogen that occurs around menopause.

Estrogen helps protect bone, and declining estrogen levels can accelerate bone loss.

Women who experience menopause earlier than usual may therefore have a longer period of life with lower estrogen exposure.

But osteoporosis is not exclusively a women's condition.

Older men can also experience substantial bone loss and fractures, particularly when other risk factors are present.

Calcium is an important structural mineral in bone, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

A balanced diet containing adequate amounts of these nutrients supports normal bone health.

Calcium-rich foods can include milk, yoghurt and cheese, as well as alternatives such as calcium-set tofu, certain green vegetables, fortified foods and fish with edible bones.

Vitamin D can come from sunlight exposure, selected foods and supplements when appropriate.

Protein and other nutrients also contribute to maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

Supplements may be useful for some people, but taking large doses unnecessarily does not provide unlimited protection against osteoporosis.

Does Drinking Milk Prevent Osteoporosis?

Milk can be a useful source of calcium and protein, but no single food can guarantee that osteoporosis will never develop.

Bone health is influenced by age, hormones, genetics, physical activity, nutrition, medications and lifestyle factors.

People who do not drink dairy products can obtain calcium from other suitable foods, including fortified products and certain plant or fish sources.

The goal is adequate overall nutrition rather than relying on one particular food.

Physical activity is another important part of maintaining bone health.

Weight-bearing activities require your body to work against gravity and can help maintain bone strength.

Examples can include walking, stair climbing and other activities performed while supporting your body weight.

Resistance or strength training is also valuable because it challenges both muscles and bones.

Maintaining muscle strength and balance becomes increasingly important with age because reducing falls can reduce fracture risk.

If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, however, not every exercise is automatically suitable.

A healthcare professional or physiotherapist can advise you about safe activities, particularly if you have experienced spinal or other fragility fractures.

Because osteoporosis may not produce early symptoms, bone-density testing can help identify weakened bones before a major fracture occurs.

A commonly used test is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, usually called DXA or DEXA.

The test measures bone mineral density, commonly at areas such as the hip and spine.

Results can help healthcare professionals diagnose osteoporosis, identify lower-than-normal bone density and estimate future fracture risk.

Whether you need testing depends on factors including age, sex, previous fractures, medications and other risk factors.

A healthcare professional may also assess your medical history, family history, height, posture and other factors that influence fracture risk.

What Is Osteopenia?

Osteopenia means bone density is lower than expected but has not reached the diagnostic threshold for osteoporosis.

It does not mean that a fracture is inevitable.

Healthcare professionals consider bone density alongside other factors such as age, previous fractures and overall fracture risk.

Depending on the situation, recommendations may include lifestyle measures, monitoring or treatment.

Protecting someone with osteoporosis involves more than improving a number on a bone-density scan.

The ultimate goal is preventing fractures.

That can include maintaining adequate nutrition, staying physically active, avoiding smoking and reducing fall risks around the home.

People with osteoporosis may also be prescribed medication to slow bone loss or reduce fracture risk.

If medication is prescribed, taking it as directed is important. Stopping or changing osteoporosis treatment without medical advice can reduce its effectiveness or create other concerns.

Vision problems, unsuitable footwear, muscle weakness and certain medications can also increase the likelihood of falls and may deserve attention.

Bone Health Is a Lifelong Investment

Osteoporosis may become more visible later in life, but bone health is influenced by habits developed much earlier.

Building strong bones during younger years creates a stronger foundation for later life.

As adults age, maintaining adequate nutrition, staying active and reducing avoidable risk factors can help slow the loss of bone strength.

For people already living with osteoporosis, effective treatment and fall prevention can substantially reduce fracture risk.

The important point is not to wait for a broken bone before thinking about bone health.