Osteoporosis Treatment
Treatment and prevention of bone density loss and fragility fractures.
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones gradually lose density and become more porous and fragile, significantly increasing the risk of fracture from relatively minor falls or, in some cases, everyday activities. It develops silently over years, often without symptoms until a fracture occurs, which is why screening and early treatment for those at risk make such a meaningful difference to long-term bone health.
Types
Primary Osteoporosis
Bone loss related to ageing and, in women, the hormonal changes of menopause, without another underlying medical cause.
Secondary Osteoporosis
Bone loss occurring as a result of another medical condition or medication, such as long-term steroid use or thyroid disease.
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Bone loss accelerated by the drop in oestrogen after menopause, a particularly common pattern in women.
Senile Osteoporosis
Age-related bone loss affecting both men and women as they get older, independent of menopause.
Common Causes
Osteoporosis develops when the body loses bone density faster than it can rebuild it, a natural process that accelerates due to several common risk factors.
- Ageing - bone density naturally declines after peak bone mass is reached in early adulthood.
- Menopause - the drop in oestrogen significantly accelerates bone loss in women.
- Low calcium and vitamin D intake over many years.
- Sedentary lifestyle - weight-bearing activity helps maintain bone density, and its absence accelerates loss.
- Long-term steroid use - one of the most common medication-related causes of secondary osteoporosis.
- Family history of osteoporosis or fragility fractures.
- Smoking and excessive alcohol intake, both of which negatively affect bone density.
Signs and Symptoms
- Often no symptoms at all in the earlier stages, which is why screening matters
- A fracture occurring from a fall or impact that would not normally break a healthy bone
- Gradual loss of height over time
- A stooped posture developing gradually
- Back pain from a vertebral compression fracture, sometimes without any clear preceding injury
Diagnosis
Osteoporosis is diagnosed using a bone density scan (DEXA scan), which measures bone mineral density and compares it to expected values for age and sex. This is generally recommended for postmenopausal women, older adults with risk factors, and anyone who has already had a fragility fracture.
Treatment Approach
Treatment combines lifestyle measures - adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and fall-prevention strategies - with medication for those at significant risk of fracture. Several categories of medication are available to slow bone loss or help rebuild bone density, chosen based on the severity of bone loss and individual risk factors. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna reviews bone density results and overall fracture risk before recommending the right combination of lifestyle measures and, where appropriate, medication.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026