What is osteoporosis?
Bone is living tissue that is constantly renewed. In osteoporosis, bone is lost faster than it is rebuilt, so bones become more fragile. It often causes no symptoms until a bone breaks, typically the wrist, hip or spine, sometimes after only a minor fall.
It is common after the menopause, but it also affects men and younger people, particularly those who have taken steroids for long periods or have conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Who is at higher risk?
A previous fracture after a minor fall
Long-term steroid treatment
Early menopause or low hormone levels
A parent who broke a hip
Rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease or other inflammatory conditions
Low body weight, smoking or high alcohol intake
How it is diagnosed
1
Consultation
Your history, medicines and fracture risk factors.
2
DEXA scan
A low-dose scan of the hip and spine measures bone density.
3
Blood tests
To find any underlying cause of bone loss.
4
Your plan
Treatment matched to your fracture risk.
Your DEXA T-score, in context
Example −2.1
≤ −2.5
Osteoporosis
−2.5 to −1.0
Osteopenia
≥ −1.0
Normal
T-score bands follow the World Health Organization definitions. Treatment decisions also use your FRAX fracture-risk score.
Treatment options
Tablets
Weekly or monthly bone-protecting tablets for many people.
Injections
Six-monthly or yearly injections when tablets are not suitable.
Lifestyle
Calcium, vitamin D, exercise and falls prevention.
Questions patients ask
Do I need a DEXA scan before my appointment?
No. Dr Malley can arrange one, or review a recent scan you already have.
How long does treatment last?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
Can I have treatment alongside steroids?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
Is osteoporosis treatment covered by insurance?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
