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What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is not a risk of falling but the consequences of a fall with osteoporosis are serious. Osteoporosis literally means porous bones. The bones in our skeleton are made of a thick outer shell and a strong inner mesh filled with collagen (protein), calcium salts and other minerals. The inside looks like honeycomb, with blood vessesl and bone marrow in the spaces between bone. Osteoporosis occurs when the holes in this inner mesh become bigger, making it fragile and liable to break easily. Osteoporosis usually affects the whole skeleton but it most commonly causes fractures (broken bones) in the wrist, spine and hip. What Causes Osteoporosis? Bone is alive and constantly changing. Old worn out bone is broken down by cells called osteoclasts and replaced by bone builiding cells called osteoblasts. This process of renewal is called bone turnover. In osteoporosis this process is disrupted which leads to weaknesses in the bone structure. Who is at Risk? We are all potentially at risk of osteoporosis because of the bone loss that occurs as we get older. Some people have an increased risk, the list below outlines factors that can increase your risk. Risk Factors for Women A lack of the hormone oestrogen caused by: early menopause (before the age of 45) early hysterectomy (before the age of 45) which may include the removal of the ovaries missed periods for six months or more as a results of over-exercising or over-dieting Risk Factors for Men Low levels of the male hormone, testosterone. Risk Factors for Both Men and Women Long term use of high dose corticosteroid tables (used to treat arthritis or asthma for example), Close family history of osteoporosis, Other medical conditions such as Cushing's Syndrome or liver and thyroid problems, Malabsorption problems (coeliac disease, Chrohn's Disease) Long term immobility Heavy drinking Smoking If you think you may have one or more of these risk factors, you are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. How to Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis Click here for further details Or see the 'How to Prevent and Treat' page on the main menu More indepth information about osteoporosis and its treatment can be found on the National Osteoporosis Society Website www.nos.org.uk   Falling - what are the consequences? What is osteoporosis? How to prevent and treat osteoporosis Are you at risk?  A checklist ... What should I do in an emergency? Can I help myself? Getting help and advice What help is available in Cornwall?

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