Let’s Talk About Osteoporosis

Did you know that one in two women will break a bone in their lifetime as a result of osteoporosis? That makes the condition, which causes bones to become brittle and fragile, a greater risk than breast cancer, heart attack and stroke — combined.

At HealthyWomen, we want to help you better understand osteoporosis, why it’s more common in women than men, and the questions you should ask your healthcare provider about prevention, treatment, tests and more.

While women who are experiencing menopause are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis because of lower estrogen levels, it’s a good idea for women who have not entered menopause to take steps to avoid getting the condition. Check out our easy-to-follow tips for keeping your bones healthy and strong.

Osteoporosis is often referred to as “a silent disease” because a person typically doesn’t know they have it until they break a bone. After a fall at age 27, Daniella Dayoub Forrest discovered she had osteoporosis at a shockingly young age. “When I was first diagnosed, I was angry. I felt helpless,” she explained in her story, which explores the emotional side of osteoporosis.

And in her personal story, Cecilia Shouts shared how an ER doctor misdiagnosed her osteoporosis and how she learned to take charge of her condition.

Although osteoporosis is common, it’s not a given. We hope these resources can help you keep your bones healthy.

This resource was created with support from Amgen.

Clinically Speaking: Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider (HCP) About Osteoporosis

It Wasn’t Muscle Damage: It Was Four Fractures and Osteoporosis

For Women, Osteoporosis Leaves Physical and Emotional Scars

How Women of All Ages Can Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Resources

Experts estimate that nearly 50 million women will develop osteoporosis over the next decade, due largely to the aging population. Maintaining healthy bones and preventing low bone mass is vital to reducing women’s risk for osteoporosis-related bone fractures after menopause. Effective therapeutic options for prevention and management are available, broadening options for women. For more information on osteoporosis, please contact your healthcare provider and explore the additional resources provided below.

HealthyWomen Resources

Clinically Speaking: Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider (HCP) About OsteoporosisIt Wasn’t Muscle Damage: It Was Four Fractures and OsteoporosisFor Women, Osteoporosis Leaves Physical and Emotional ScarsHow Women of All Ages Can Prevent Osteoporosis

Additional Resources

Osteoporosis | National Institute on Aging Osteoporosis: What You Need to Know as You AgePregnancy, Breastfeeding and Bone HealthWomen: 10 surprising things that affect your bone health