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Osteoporosis
Bones lose strength faster after menopause. What osteoporosis is, and how to protect your bones.
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What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break. It is more common in older people, especially women after menopause, because of lower levels of oestrogen, a hormone that helps protect bones.
Why menopause affects your bones
Oestrogen plays a crucial role in keeping bones dense and strong. During menopause, oestrogen levels fall. This speeds up bone loss and increases the risk of fractures (broken bones).
Where fractures are most common
- 1Hips
- 2Spine
- 3Wrists
Protecting your bones
Women at menopause are advised to take steps to prevent osteoporosis:
A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Regular weight-bearing exercise
Such as brisk walking, where your legs carry your body weight.
Stop smoking
Drink less alcohol
Check-ups and treatment
Osteoporosis usually causes no symptoms until a bone breaks. Regular bone density scans are important for women at high risk, so that bone loss is found and managed early. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medicines to help keep bones dense and lower the risk of fractures.
See a doctor if you break a bone after a minor fall, have sudden back pain, or notice you are losing height or becoming stooped.
Keep learning
Joint and muscle pains
Aches, stiffness and losing muscle strength.
Read moreLifestyle changes
Everyday steps that can ease symptoms and protect your health.
Read moreTreatment & therapies
Lifestyle changes, MHT and non-hormonal options.
Read moreWorried about your symptoms?
Your doctor can help you work out what is going on and talk you through your options.