Your doctor may also prescribe one of the bone-strengthening treatments that are given to people with osteoporosis, depending on how weak your bones are and your risk of breaking a bone. Causes of osteoporosis From about late March or early April to the end of September, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight on their skin.

While it's highly unlikely that your symptoms are caused by cancer, it's best to be sure by getting a proper diagnosis. You may also be prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements to take at a different time to the bisphosphonate. Most people don't get enough vitamin D from sunlight in winter and it's difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone. Speak to your GP to see if they'd recommend you taking a daily vitamin D supplement. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet The Royal Osteoporosis Society's free telephone helpline may be particularly helpful if you're newly diagnosed with osteoporosis. Good nutrition and regular exercise are essential for keeping your bones healthy throughout your life. CalciumTreatment for osteoporosis is based on treating and preventing broken bones, and taking medicine to strengthen your bones. In some cases, the cancer can weaken a bone, causing it to break (fracture) easily after a minor injury or fall. Raloxifene is the only type of SERM available for treating osteoporosis. It's only recommended for women, after the menopause. It's taken as a daily tablet.

See your GP if you or your child experiences persistent, severe or worsening bone pain, or if you're worried you have any of the other symptoms of bone cancer. Many of today's younger generation have never heard the term 'rag-and-bone man' as these enigmatic figures have largely all but disappeared from our modern streets. The female hormone oestrogen is essential for healthy bones. After the menopause, oestrogen levels fall. This can lead to a rapid decrease in bone density.Activities such as yoga or tai chi are best for this. These types of activity can also ease stiffness and unsteadiness associated with painful joints. Kellerman RD, et al. Osteoporosis. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2021. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 3, 2021.

Vitamin D is important for both strong muscles and healthy bones. Our bodies make vitamin D from the action of the summer sunlight (from late March/April to the end of September) on our skin. All adults are advised to consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement, particularly during the winter months (October to March). To achieve this, your healthcare team will ask you about your diet and may recommend that you make changes or take supplements. Medicines for osteoporosis Losing bone is a normal part of ageing, but some people lose bone much faster than normal. This can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of broken bones. Fossils were first found in Jebel Irhoud in the 1960s, but were originally estimated to be about 40,000 years ago. At the time, these fossils didn’t fit with any working theories of human origins, so they were considered a curiosity.Excessive alcohol consumption. Regular consumption of more than two alcoholic drinks a day increases the risk of osteoporosis. review your medicines with your GP or pharmacist – some medicines can make you feel dizzy or drowsy If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, they can work out your future risk of breaking a bone using an online programme, such as FRAX or Q-Fracture. Go for one that contains calcium and vitamin D. Your GP or pharmacist can help you choose one that's suitable for you. Standard deviation is a measure of variability based on an average or expected value. A T score of:

The decision about whether you need treatment depends on your risk of breaking a bone in the future. This will be based on a number of factors such as your age, sex and the results of your bone density scan.Being inactive makes your muscles and bones lose strength. This increases your risk of osteoporosis, falls and fractures. Moderate-intensity exercise Women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis than men because the hormone changes that happen at the menopause directly affect bone density. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weaker and more fragile. Some people are more at risk than others. If you need treatment, your doctor can suggest the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.