Background

Osteoporosis is a condition which results in a loss of bone strength making bones more fragile and likely to break. Women need realistic and achievable self management strategies so that they can independently protect themselves against the development of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. Such interventions include exercise, dietary management and avoidance of known risk factors.

There are a variety of prescription therapies for the management of osteoporosis. Providing women diagnosed with osteoporosis, and their healthcare providers with evidence-based information about the choice of therapies available should help to maximise appropriate prescribing and optimise compliance.

Together these two strategies will translate into improved health status and quality of life for Australian women.

The development of strong bones for everyone begins early in life and requires continuous maintenance. Bone Health for Life provides access to health and lifestyle information to improve bone health, and prevent and manage osteoporosis in general.

Each life stage page provides specific links in the Consumer section of the website to information that is relevant for the girl or woman of that age, together with all the vital information of which she should be aware.

Additionally, key messages for each lifestage are provided below, to further assist health professionals

Assessing Bone Health Knowledge

A ten question true or false assessment is available for determining the level of knowledge about bone health management and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Teen Years

• The teen years are the most important years in the prevention of osteoporosis. It is during these years that your skeleton is actively growing. Developing healthy bone habits will help you achieve a high peak bone mass which will help you withstand the effects of age-related bone loss and osteoporosis.
• Healthy bone habits include:
  3 serves of dairy products/day,
  regular involvement in exercise, and
  avoidance of smoking and alcohol.
• Some young women may develop osteoporosis at an early stage due to various illnesses/conditions such as eating disorders and delayed menstruation.

20s-40s

• While women have reached their peak bone mass it is important to sustain bone mass and strength. Ensuring healthy bone habits help you withstand the effects of age-related bone loss and osteoporosis.
• Healthy bone habits include:
  3 serves of dairy products/day,
  regular involvement in exercise, and
  avoidance of smoking and alcohol.
• These years represent the reproductive and pre-menopausal years and during these times more calcium intake will be required.
• Some young women may develop osteoporosis at an early stage due to various illnesses/conditions such as eating disorders and early menopause,

Midlife

• It is more common for women to develop osteoporosis after menopause. In the immediate years following menopause there is rapid bone loss which can last from 4-8 years. Midlife is also a time when you become less efficient at absorbing calcium and to compensate, calcium is leached from your bones. So, not only do the bones become weaker because of oestrogen deficiency at menopause, they also lose more calcium.
• Maintaining healthy bone habits is important in counteracting the above processes.
  This includes:
  3-4 serves of dairy products/day (or calcium supplements),
  regular involvement in exercise,
  adequate levels of vitamin D, and
  avoidance of smoking and alcohol.

Older years

• Bone loss is a normal part of ageing thus older women are more likely to develop osteoporosis.
• It is important older women discuss with their doctor ways to improve their bone health and whether they need specific investigations for osteoporosis.
• Sustaining bone density and strength requires a lifelong intake of calcium, a nutritious diet, adequate vitamin D and an active life.
• Falls are a particular problem in the older woman as they can result in fractures particularly of the hip. There are many ways older people can minimise the risk of falls.

Content updated February 20, 2006