Osteoporosis : treatment in the UK

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone where bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced. Osteoporosis means that people are at a much higher risk of suffering a broken bone. Osteoporosis is most common in women after the menopause, when it is called postmenopausal osteoporosis, but may develop in men and premenopausal women because of hormonal disorders and other chronic diseases or as a result of smoking and medication, specifically glucocorticoids, when the disease is called steroid or glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis (SIOP or GIOP).

Osteoporosis can be prevented with lifestyle advice and medication and can be treated with bisphosphonates, teriparatide, strontium ranelate and various other medical treatments. Weight-bearing exercise is of great importance for people suffering from the osteoporosis because it helps build bone density and strength.