For everyone, the development of strong bones begins early in life and requires continuous maintenance. This section provides practical, evidence-based health and lifestyle information for women and their health professionals, to improve bone health and to prevent and manage osteoporosis.

The 'About Osteoporosis' area presents referenced information on the management and prevention of osteoporosis and the promotion of bone health in general. These topics allow you to understand how you can develop, maintain and improve your bone health. Technical and medical terms are explained simply.

Diagnosis

This section presents information about diagnosis and tests as well as an explanation of DXA measurements. More...

Facts and statistics

Normal bone is composed of a mixture of calcium and other minerals such as magnesium and phosphate. It also contains collagen, a protein that forms the structural framework of bone. More...

Implications

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that causes no symptoms. Osteoporosis becomes evident when fractures occur as a result of having weakened bones. More...

Prevention

The development of strong bones begins early in life and requires continuous maintenance throughout life. The factors essential for healthy bones are: calcium, hormones, lifestyle factors, physical activity and vitamin D. More...

Risks

The longer a person lives, the more likely they are to develop osteoporosis. Some people, however, will develop osteoporosis at an earlier stage in their life. There is a range of conditions that are associated with an increased risk of developing of osteoporosis. More...

Risk groups

Osteoporosis is a normal part of ageing. We would all develop osteoporosis if we lived long enough. For some women, certain conditions may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis at an earlier age: athletes, breast cancer, early (premature) menopause, eating disorders, elderly women and postmenopausal women or other special conditions. More...

Treatment

The management and treatment of osteoporosis may include a range of non-drug and drug therapies. There are also other potential drug therapies on the horizon. More...

Quiz

Test your knowledge about osteoporosis by answering these ten questions. More...

Resources

Magazine articles

Winter 2011: Your bone health's connected to your... 

Factsheets

 Bone Health 114.00 Kb

Books

Everybody’s Bones - A publication of Osteoporosis Victoria

Why me? Osteoporosis

DVDs

Why me? Osteoporosis DVD

Websites

Osteoporosis Australia: www.osteoporosis.org.au

Content updated July 22, 2011