A18. Osteoporosis or ‘brittle bone disease’ is a risk factor during the menopause. This is due to the drop in oestrogen which means that your protection against this disease is lost.
Bone mass is lost from the late twenties onwards which increases the risk of a fracture. This risk is greater in women due to their lighter skeleton and the fall in oestrogen levels during the menopause.
If your mother or grandmother suffered from osteoporosis then there is an increased risk of you doing the same. But this risk can be reduced by regular exercise (preferably weight bearing) and a calcium rich diet.
Other risk factors include:
If you are at risk then discuss this with your GP.
Find out more in our health risks of menopause section.