In women with established osteoporosis it is important to address lifestyle factors in order to maximise the effectiveness of specific drug therapies for osteoporosis. When contemplating drug therapy it is essential that dietary calcium intake meets the recommendations for age and that vitamin D levels are at the optimal range (≥75nmol/L). In addition it is advisable for patients to partake in a form of exercise that is appropriate to their age and level of function.

Go to Prevention

Smoking is also known to have a detrimental effect on bone health and results in a significant loss of bone mass.⁷² It is estimated that smoking increases the lifetime risk of vertebral fractures in women by 13% and hip fracture by 31%⁷². In addition the specific therapies used for treating osteoporosis may not be as effective in women who continue to smoke. Hence the overall message for good bone health is not to smoke.

Content updated July 28, 2009.