Oestoporosis

• Biological causes–

  •Females (at higher risk) excess alcohol

  •Linked to low hormone levels (androgen or oestrogen

  •Linked to post menopause

  •Linked to anorexia

  •Shortage of vitamin D

  •Shortage of calcium in diet

  •Family history
• Impact (symptoms) on their life/ physical/ mental health:

  •tired – unable to sleep properly due to pain

  •poor mobility due to pain caused by moving

  •may develop stooped posture which causes discomfort

  •frightened to go out for fear of falling and breaking a bone

  •reducing tripping hazards

  •unable (unwilling to continue with strenuous exercise/ games etc. for fear)

  •may cause social isolation due to worry about falls
• Possible methods of monitoring or treatment


  • Bone density scan (DEXA) to monitor
  • Blood tests
  • Calcium and /or vitamin D supplements
  • Carry out load-bearing exercise
  • HRT for post-menopausal women
  • Finding a fracture of an unusual bone such as the wrist / shoulder/ hip/ vertebrae
  • Taking bisphosphonates (accept biphosphates)
  • Medication for strengthening bones
  • Physiotherapy
• Points relating to initial diagnosis


  • Finding a fracture following a minor incident e.g a sneeze
  • Noticing slow healing after fracture
  • Asking about pain after an initial fracture
• Ways of monitoring/ minimize effects:

  Healthy diet including sources of calcium and vitamin D – builds up boneSpend time outdoors –Vitamin D synthesised in skin, needed for bone formationMedication – various types –some promote bone formation, some reduce rate of bone removalPainkillers –reduce achesCAMs –reduce aches and stress of conditionReduce trip hazards in home –prevent falls and resulting possible fracturesCheck eyesight –reduce tripping riskHearing tests –reduce likelihood of not hearing a car when crossing road