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NSW Department of Health

NSW Health Factsheet Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose calcium, become fragile, and are inclined to fracture more easily. Osteoporosis affects half of all women and one third of all men over the age of 60 in Australia. It is part of the normal ageing process.

Osteoporosis

Last updated: 01 August 2008


What are the signs or symptoms?

Osteoporosis has no obvious symptoms. The first indication may be a fracture. This is why osteoporosis is often called the 'silent thief'.

Am I at risk of osteoporosis?

Some people have a higher chance of developing osteoporosis than others. Risk factors are things that increase your chance of developing osteoporosis. Having one or more risk factors, however, does not mean you will develop osteoporosis.

Risk factors you can change
  • too little calcium in your diet
  • too little exercise or physical activity. You should try and do some moderate exercise for 30 minutes on all or most days.
  • a high intake of alcohol (more than two standard drinks per day for women, four for men)
  • smoking.

Risk factors your general practitioner can help you with
  • early menopause (before 45) or having your ovaries removed
  • lengthy interruptions to your menstrual cycle, except pregnancy
  • long-term use of steroid medications such as those used for asthma or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • anorexia nervosa

Risk factors you cannot change
  • family history, eg. your mother or grandmother experienced fractures or had very stooped posture
  • being thin and small boned
  • being Caucasian or Asian
  • advanced age.

If you or your general practitioner consider that you are at risk for osteoporosis you may be referred for a bone strength test (bone densitometry).

How do I prevent osteoporosis?

  • Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of calcium-rich foods. Dairy foods are the best source.
  • Exercise regularly, especially weight-bearing exercise such as walking.
    Avoid a high intake of alcohol, salt, and caffeine.
  • If you smoke, quit.

How can osteoporosis be treated?

If you have osteoporosis, it is still important to take in plenty of calcium and have regular, gentle exercise. Consult your general practitioner about all aspects of medical treatment. Osteoporosis can be treated at all ages—it is never too late.

Further information

  • Osteoporosis New South Wales on 1800 242 141
  • a dietitian for information on how to increase calcium in your diet. Dietitians can be contacted at your local Community Health Centres, hospital or in private practice.
  • Osteoporosis Australia
  • Arthritis New South Wales
Further information - Public Health Units in NSW
For professional help please contact your doctor or Community Health Centre, Women's Health Centre or Menopause Clinic.
Metropolitan Areas Location Number Rural Areas Location Number
Northern Sydney/Central Coast Hornsby 02 9477 9400 Greater Southern Goulburn 02 4824 1837
  Gosford 02 4349 4845   Albury 02 6080 8900
South Eastern Sydney/Illawarra Randwick 02 9382 8333 Greater Western Broken Hill 08 8080 1499
  Wollongong 02 4221 6700   Dubbo 02 6841 5569
Sydney South West Camperdown 02 9515 9420   Bathurst 02 6339 5601
Sydney West Penrith 02 4734 2022 Hunter/New England Newcastle 02 4924 6477
  Parramatta 02 9840 3603   Tamworth 02 6767 8630
Justice Health Service Matraville 02 9311 2707 North Coast Port Macquarie 02 6588 2750
        Lismore 02 6620 7500
See full details of Public Health Units at
www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/infectious/phus.asp
NSW Department of Health

73 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2059
tel 02 9391 9000
fax 02 9391 9101
TTY 02 9391 9900

www.health.nsw.gov.au

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