Diagnosis

Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed from a bone scan after a fracture. We don't tend to notice things until they start to go wrong. With osteoporosis, that can be when the bone has already thinned to the point of fracturing or breaking easily.

If you feel that you are at risk of osteoporosis ask your GP about a bone density scan. Unfortunately there are some areas of the UK where scans are not easily available.

The test is called a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan, and it is used to measure the density of bones. It is currently the most accurate and reliable means of assessing the strength of your bones and your risk of fracture. It is a simple, painless procedure that uses very low doses of radiation. Your spine/hips, wrist or heel can be scanned.

Treatment

If you have osteoporosis or are likely to develop it there are treatments that can strengthen your existing bones. The kind of treatment you have will depend on a number of factors including age, sex, medical history and which bones are broken. Treatments include:

• Bisphosphonates - non-hormonal drugs which help maintain bone strength and reduce fracture rates.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - oestrogen replacement for women at the menopause, which helps maintain bone strength and reduces fracture rates while you take the therapy.
• Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) - drugs which act in a similar way to oestrogen on the bone, helping to maintain bone strength and reduce fracture rates, especifically in the spine.
• Testosterone therapy - testosterone replacement for men with low testosterone levels to help maintain bone strength, calcium and vitamin D.

Supplements of calcium and vitamin D can be of benefit for older people to reduce the risk of breaking a hip.

For more information read the Help the Aged advice leaflet Healthy Bones (PDF).