The disease causes the bones to become progressively less dense and more fragile. Breaks and fractures become commonplace and in extreme cases, some people may end up in a wheelchair.
You are at risk of developing osteoporosis if you are a woman who went through the menopause before the age of 45; have a family history of the disease; have already suffered a bone fracture; are underweight or have a poor diet lacking in calcium; or are a smoker.
The UK currently doesn’t have a national screening programme for osteoporosis but if you are aged 75 or over and concerned that you are at risk, you can ask your GP to send you for an x-ray using a DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) machine. This is a specialist piece of equipment that scans the body to measure hip and spine density. If you are under the age of 75, your GP may still refer you for a DEXA scan if you are in one of the high-risk groups.
Some private clinics will offer ultrasound scans to look for signs of osteoporosis but it is recommended that those who feel most at risk should get the diagnosis confirmed by a DEXA scan.
Treatment for osteoporosis will depend on whether you have already suffered a fracture. Ensuring that your diet is rich in calcium and vitamin D for bone health while low in salt can act as a preventative measure to stop you suffering fractures. Exercise is also important, particularly weight-bearing activities such as walking and running.