Osteoporosis in Women

Fifty per cent of Australian women aged 65 and above have osteoporosis but may not know it

Fifty per cent of Australian women aged 65 and above have osteoporosis but may not know it.

Although one in two post-menopausal women will be affected by this crippling disease during their lifetime, many do not believe they are personally at risk and therefore do not take this threat seriously.

Yet one in 10 Australians has osteoporosis and more than 25 per cent of Australian women and 17 per cent of men will develop osteoporotic fractures.

Osteoporosis is often called the silent thief because it can go undetected for long periods and before symptoms appear.

Osteoporosis is a common and progressive disease that can lead to debilitating and costly fractures. Osteoporotic fractures result in substantial morbidity and mortality, impaired quality of life and high levels of health service expenditure.

Osteoporosis costs more than $1.9 billion per annum in direct health expenditure, placing a heavy burden on hospitals and nursing homes. There are a further $5.6 billion in indirect costs.

The costs associated with osteoporosis mean that it is more expensive to treat than either diabetes or asthma. However, early diagnosis and treatment can reduce fracture incidence and the associated costs of hospital and long-term care.

Last month, the Federal Government adopted osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal and joint conditions as one of its seven national health priorities.

Osteoporosis is not just a disease of old age. This is why all women should be interested in bone health, whether or not they are post-menopausal and should practice bone-healthy behaviours. It is important to get the daily-recommended dosage of calcium and vitamin D; engage in regular weight-bearing exercise and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. Most importantly, women need to know their own family-health history and discuss treatment options regularly with their doctor.