DISEASE FACT SHEET
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of bone
strength. Fragile bones are more prone to fracture. Common fractures include wrist,
arm, leg and ribs, as well as the hips and spine. Osteoporosis is often called “the silent
thief” because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Individuals may not know they have
osteoporosis until their bones are so weak that a strain, bump or fall causes a fracture.
In Australia, two in three women, and one in three men over the age of 60 will suffer an
osteoporotic fracture in their remaining lifetime. Currently over 2.2 million Australians
are affected by the disease. Osteoporotic problems cost the Australian community
more than $1 billion per year in direct costs. The total cost, which includes factors such
as carers and lost income, is estimated to be $7 billion per year (or $20 million every
day). Aside from these financial costs, fractures often affect mobility, lead to loss of
confidence and quality of life, and increase the risk of dying prematurely.
What causes osteoporosis?
Our bones grow in size and in strength and density as our bodies develop through
childhood and adolescence. Bone mass reaches its maximum density at around 25
years of age and then drops off slowly thereafter. Achieving a lower peak bone mass
puts individuals at greater risk in later life, even with normal rates of bone loss.
Although osteoporosis usually occurs in older people, it can be seen in children and
young adults. Adverse lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive drinking or unhealthy
diet from as early as the teenage years may influence peak bone mass. This may cause
lower bone density in later years. As the bone mineral amount falls, the fragility of the
bones progressively increases and so does the risk of fractures. Most osteoporotic
fractures occur before age 75.
“2.2 million Australians
currently have osteoporosis.”
“Two in three women, and
one in three men over 60
will suffer an osteoporotic
fracture.”
How is it diagnosed?
Osteoporotic fractures are generally diagnosed by x-rays. However, a painless bone
density test is much more effective as it allows osteoporosis to be detected before
fractures occur, and treatment can commence without delay. These tests are widely
available at virtually all major hospitals and medical centres.
What are the risk factors and can I prevent it?
The factors that increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis are:
• Gender – you are more likely to develop osteoporosis if you are female, however
one in three fractures occur in men
• Post-menopause – the loss of oestrogen after menopause is a major risk factor
• Family history of osteoporosis – inherited factors account for a major part of an individuals risk of having the disease
• Limited physical activity and inadequate dietary calcium intake
• Limited exposure to sunlight resulting in low vitamin D intake
• Cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake
• Prolonged use of certain medications such as high dose cortisone
• Some diseases including hyperparathyroidism and intestinal malabsorption
Prevention is an important part of any health strategy. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium
and vitamin D. It is considered prudent to exercise at least three times a week, ideally
weight-bearing exercise (e.g. running, skipping, weights). Do not smoke. Reduce your
alcohol intake. It is also useful to have bone density tests after the age of 60, depending
on the values observed.
Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
www.giving.garvan.org.au
“The cost of osteoporosis to
the Australian community is
$20 million every day.”
OSTEOPOROSIS
What if I already have osteoporosis?
There are treatments available for osteoporosis that increase and maintain bone density and
provide supplements for any missing key elements involved in bone strength. These include:
“Be part of
progress”
• Hormone therapy (HT) largely prevents bone loss in post menopausal women and can reduce fracture risk, but has potential adverse effects that should be discussed with your doctor
• Bisphosphonates prevent bone loss, rebuild lost bone mass, and reduce all types of fractures
• Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) increase bone density while decreasing fractures of the spine
• Strontium ranelate also reduces fracture risk
• Vitamin D supplements are particularly important, especially for people who are housebound or have very little exposure to the sun
• Appropriate medications for fracture pain management
What research is Garvan doing in this area?
Garvan’s Osteoporosis and Bone Biology division combines clinical, molecular and cellular
research to explore the links between genetic, hormonal and lifestyle influences on the
achievement of optimum bone mass. In our molecular research, scientists have discovered that
the brain hormones leptin and neuropeptide Y have different effects on bone formation, which
could lead to the identification of new treatments. Most recently, genetic markers have been
identified that indicate lower risk of osteoporotic fractures. Identifying genetic factors such as
these provides a starting point for genetic testing for osteoporosis, and importantly identifies
novel targets for potential therapies.
Our research draws on the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study (DOES). Started in 1989,
DOES is the world’s longest running large-scale epidemiological study of osteoporotic fractures in
men and women. This study involves over 3500 participants in the NSW regional centre of Dubbo
and aims to identify health and lifestyle factors that contribute to improvement or deterioration of
our bones. In addition to this population study, Garvan is also conducting a genetic study with over
400 members of large extended families, in order to pinpoint genes important to bone health.
Results from DOES recently identified that, contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis is not just
a woman’s disease. While women are initially twice as likely as men to have a fracture, once
the first break occurs, the risk of a second fracture substantially increases to the point where
there is no differentiation between men and women in the high risk of having another fracture.
Garvan scientists have found that measurements of bone density loss can improve the
accuracy of fracture risk assessment and could help identify who would benefit the most
from preventative medications. We are now developing a selection model for doctors
to identify, at an early stage, people who have a high risk of fracture. These patients
are the ones who could most benefit from preventative therapies. The selection model
includes simple tests of postural ability which, in conjunction with bone mineral density
measurements, could be used to predict fracture risk.
Want to know your risk of bone fracture? It’s easy - just visit www.fractureriskcalculator.com
Further sources of information
Osteoporosis Australiawww.osteoporosis.org.au
National Osteoporosis Foundation (USA)
www.nof.org
Garvan Institute of Medical Research – how you can get involved
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research was founded in 1963. Initially a research department of St
Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, it is now one of Australia’s largest medical research institutions with more
than 500 scientists, students and support staff. Garvan’s main research divisions are: Cancer, Diabetes
and Obesity, Immunology, Osteoporosis and Bone Biology, and Neuroscience.
Your support makes it possible for Garvan scientists to continue their great work. You can help by
making a donation or a bequest, holding a community fundraiser or volunteering your time for Garvan.
For details on how to get involved, please visit www.giving.garvan.org.au or contact the Garvan
Research Foundation on (02) 9295 8110.
Education is one of Garvan’s top priorities. A Garvan representative can visit your community group or
school to speak about the work carried out at Garvan. We also offer regular tours of our facilities. For
further details, visit our website or call our Public Engagement Co-ordinator on (02) 9295 8108.
Garvan Institute of Medical Research
384 Victoria Rd Darlinghurst NSW 2010
(02) 9295 8110 www.giving.garvan.org.au