Could You Have Undiagnosed Osteoporosis?

Half of all women over 60 suffer from osteoporosis, but that may be just the tip of the iceberg. Professor Kerryn Phelps has the facts on brittle bones.

You may discover you have osteoporosis only after a minor bump or fall leaves you with a painful fractured bone. Or perhaps your GP arranges a routine bone-density scan, and suddenly you find yourself having to make decisions about treatment for a problem for which you have no symptoms at all.

Osteoporosis can take a toll beyond the pain of a fracture. Losing your independence or being in chronic pain and unable to get around can be just as traumatic as the injury itself.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis (“porous bones”) causes bones to become thin, weak and fragile. As our bones lose density, they lose strength. Right throughout life, each bone is in a constant state of change, being broken down and re-formed. Nutrients including protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, potassium, manganese, copper, boron, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, the B-group vitamins and fluoride are essential to healthy bone formation.