Frequently Asked Questions

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them prone to break (fracture) from even minor falls or bumps.

Osteoporosis occurs when bone formation can’t keep up with bone breakdown, often due to age, hormonal changes, genetics, lifestyle, and certain medications.

Fragility fractures are fractures resulting from minimal trauma, like a fall from standing height, and commonly occur in the wrist, spine, hip, pelvis, and shoulder.

Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs, making regular check-ups crucial.

Osteoporosis affects millions globally, with rates increasing with age. Worldwide, 1 in 3 women aged 50 years or older will experience fragility fractures, as will 1 in 5 men aged 50 years or older.

Yes, men can also develop osteoporosis, particularly as they age, though their risk generally starts later than in women.

Risk factors include being 50 years or older, having a low body weight, a family history of fractures (especially hip fractures), smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and certain medical conditions.

Menopause causes a sharp decline in oestrogen levels in women - a hormone critically important for maintaining bone density - leading to accelerated bone loss.

Osteoporosis cannot be cured, but it can be managed with lifestyle adjustments, medications, and preventive measures.

Diagnosis usually involves a bone density scan (DXA scan) and a fracture risk assessment undertaken by a healthcare provider.

A DXA scan is a quick and painless type of X-ray that measures bone mineral density, typically in the hip and spine, to assess your bone health and risk of fragility fracture.

Yes, a referral from your doctor is typically required, especially if you have risk factors or a history of fractures.

A DXA scan usually takes about 10-20 minutes and involves lying on a padded table while a low-dose X-ray measures bone density.

For those at risk, follow-up scans are recommended every 4-5 years to monitor bone density changes and treatment effectiveness.

The T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. A score below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.

The Z-score compares your bone density to others of the same age, helping identify bone loss due to non-age-related factors.

Yes, additional tests like X-rays, blood tests, MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans can help diagnose or assess osteoporosis severity.

While blood tests can’t diagnose osteoporosis directly, they can identify conditions that contribute to bone loss, such as vitamin D deficiency.

Yes, a recent fragility fracture warrants testing to assess bone density and determine the need for osteoporosis treatment.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol can all lower risk.

Diets low in calcium, vitamin D, and protein can weaken bones over time, while a nutritious diet supports bone strength.

Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises help maintain bone density and reduce falls and fracture risk.

Yes, conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and treatments for certain cancers can increase osteoporosis risk.

Smoking accelerates bone loss and reduces bone strength, significantly increasing osteoporosis and fracture risk.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weaker bones and balance issues, increasing the likelihood of fractures.

While it may not be entirely preventable, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors can help reduce osteoporosis risk.

Yes, family history, particularly of hip fractures, increases the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

The Know Your Bones™ online self-assessment tool assesses personal risk factors and offers insights to discuss with a healthcare provider.

Being underweight or losing weight rapidly can increase osteoporosis risk, while a healthy weight supports bone strength.

Medications include bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and raloxifene.

Bisphosphonates slow bone breakdown, reducing bone loss and fracture risk. They are available as tablets or intravenous (IV) infusions.

Denosumab is an injection every six months that blocks proteins causing bone loss, effective in preventing fractures.

HRT restores estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, helping maintain bone density and prevent fractures.

Common side effects include mild stomach upset, skin reactions, or rare but serious effects including jawbone damage.

Treatment duration varies by medication and individual needs, with regular reassessment by a healthcare provider.

Dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D are preferred, but supplements may be recommended if dietary intake is inadequate.

Medications do not relieve pain but help prevent fractures. Pain management may involve physiotherapy and lifestyle changes.

Yes, treatments are proven to reduce fracture risk by 30-70%, depending on the specific medication and adherence.

Removing tripping hazards, wearing sturdy footwear, and practicing balance exercises are effective falls-prevention strategies.

Yes, weight-bearing, strength, and balance exercises are beneficial, but avoid high-impact or spine-twisting activities.

Pain relief may include over-the-counter medications, physiotherapy, or complementary therapies like massage and acupuncture.

Include calcium-rich foods (like dairy and leafy greens), protein, and other nutrients like magnesium and vitamin K in your diet.

Yes. Ensure safety by avoiding heavy lifting, bringing necessary medications, and arranging support if needed.

Osteoporosis may lead to lifestyle adjustments to prevent fractures, but with proper management, people living with osteoporosis can maintain their independence.

Anxiety about falling or fracturing bones can lead to reduced physical activity and social isolation, affecting mental health.

The Live Stronger for Longer programme offers local community classes across New Zealand to improve strength and balance.

The Nymbl App offers balance exercises for at-home practice, while reminders can help with medication adherence.

Family members can help by providing emotional support, encouraging exercise, and assisting with falls prevention at home.

General practitioners, hospital specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, and Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) work together to provide comprehensive osteoporosis care.

Discuss your risk factors, ask about screening, and inquire about lifestyle changes or treatments to protect your bones.

An FLS offers personalised care to prevent further fractures after an initial fragility fracture, including bone health assessments and falls prevention.

Support groups, community exercise classes, and online resources can offer guidance, companionship, and practical advice.

Starting in 2025, Osteoporosis New Zealand will launch a national patient network, providing individuals with osteoporosis a dedicated platform to connect, share experiences, and help shape the future of osteoporosis care and fracture prevention.

Ask about your personal risk, fracture risk assessment, treatment options, and lifestyle changes to prevent fractures.