Do I need to take a medication?

• If you're a younger man or woman

  If you are a premenopausal woman or man under 50, and have been told you have low bone density after a bone density scan, you may find you're not referred for additional tests or prescribed a treatment.

  Rest assured this is because your chance of breaking a bone in the near future is still low, due to your age. 

  The bisphosphonate group of medications can also cause problems for women of child-bearing age, potentially affecting the development of a baby in the womb.

  Your doctor may give you lifestyle advice and suggest you discuss your risk again in the future. It's unlikely you need a medication.

  If your osteoporosis is caused by another condition or medication, often treating the underlying condition is enough to improve your bone strength.

  There are some circumstances where further test and treatment are the best course of action. For example, if you:

  • have broken bones easily in the past
  • have a significantly-low bone density
  • are using high-dose glucocorticoid tablets
  • have a hormonal disorder that affects your oestrogen or testosterone levels

  In these cases, you may be referred to a rheumatologist (joints and bones), an endocrinologist (hormones) or a gynaecologist (women’s health).

• If your child has osteoporosis

  Children with osteoporosis are usually only given drugs after easily breaking multiple bones.

  The decision on whether to treat your child is made by a specialist.

  Osteoporosis in children can improve, especially during puberty. So your specialist may adopt a 'watch and wait' approach.

  Your child may also be prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Strengthening your bones without medication