osteoporosis that comes and goes

Overview

Osteoporosis is a long-term condition that makes bones weaker and more likely to break. It does not truly come and go. Once you have it, the low bone density is still there, but symptoms like pain may come and go.

Yes. Osteoporosis is very common, especially in women after menopause and in older adults. Many people do not know they have it until a fracture happens.

It can affect anyone, but it is most common in people over 50. Women are at higher risk, especially after menopause, but men can also develop it. Younger people can develop it if they have another health condition or take certain long-term medicines.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms in the early stages
• Back pain that can come and go, often in the middle or lower back
• Aching bones or joints that get better then return
• A broken bone after only a minor bump or fall

Symptoms in children

• Bone pain that comes and goes, often in the legs or back
• Fractures that happen without a clear cause
• Slow growth or a change in the way a child walks

Symptoms in older adults

• Losing height over time
• A curved or stooped upper back
• Sudden, sharp back pain after a small stumble or lift
• A hip, wrist, or spine fracture after a minor fall

Causes

Main causes

• Bone is living tissue. Normally, the body replaces old bone with new bone, but in osteoporosis it breaks down bone faster than it can rebuild it.
• Changes in hormones, such as a drop in oestrogen after menopause, can speed up bone loss.
• Some long-term health conditions and certain medicines used for other illnesses can also weaken bones over time.

Risk factors

• Getting older
• Being female, especially after menopause
• Having a family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
• Low body weight or a small frame
• Low calcium or vitamin D levels
• Smoking or drinking more than the recommended limit of alcohol
• Not doing enough weight-bearing exercise

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if you have new back pain after a fall, cannot put weight on a leg, or have pain that stops you from moving normally.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Ask your doctor about bone health if you are over 50 and have broken a bone after a minor bump, if you have risk factors, or if you have a condition that could cause bone loss.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, any previous fractures, your family history, and your lifestyle. They may measure your height and arrange a bone density scan.

Tests that may be done

• Bone density scan (DXA) – a painless X-ray test that measures bone strength, usually at the hip and spine
• Blood tests – to check calcium, vitamin D, and other conditions that can cause bone loss
• Sometimes a spine X-ray if a fracture is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

A bone density scan feels like having an X-ray. You lie on a padded table while a small scanner passes over your hip and spine. It usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes and does not hurt.

Treatment

Treatment does not cure osteoporosis, but it can slow bone loss, build bone strength, and reduce your risk of fractures. It usually combines healthy lifestyle changes with a medicine that protects bone.

Self-care at home

• Eat calcium-rich foods such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified plant drinks.
• Get enough vitamin D from safe sunlight and foods, or ask your doctor about a supplement.
• Do weight-bearing exercise like brisk walking, dancing, stair climbing, or gentle jogging.
• Do muscle-strengthening exercises, such as light weights or resistance bands, at least twice a week.
• Stop smoking and keep alcohol low.
• Make your home safer – remove loose rugs, add night lights, and keep walkways clear.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that slows down bone loss or helps the body build new bone. These medicines come as tablets, injections, or a drip into a vein. Some are taken daily, weekly, or only a few times a year. Your doctor will choose the right option for your bone density, age, and overall health. Always take bone medicines exactly as your doctor advises, and do not stop them without talking to your doctor first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat osteoporosis itself. However, if you break a hip or another bone and the pieces do not line up well, an orthopaedic surgeon may fix the bone with pins, screws, or a replacement joint.

Living with this condition

Living with osteoporosis means being kind to your bones while staying active. You do not have to stop doing the things you love. Learn safe ways to bend, lift, and walk, and ask for help with heavy loads. If a painful episode flares up, rest for a short time, then gently build activity again.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active every day, but choose activities that feel safe for you.
• Wear flat, supportive, non-slip shoes.
• Take care when bending, lifting, or reaching.
• Use a walking stick or frame if you feel unsteady.
• Keep your home well lit and clutter-free.

Diet and exercise

Aim for 3 to 4 servings of calcium-rich foods each day. Include vitamin D from sunlight and foods like oily fish and eggs. Combine weight-bearing activities, such as walking or tennis, with resistance exercises, such as light weights or resistance bands, at least twice a week.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel worried after being told you have osteoporosis. Fear of falling can make you less active, which can make bones weaker. If you feel anxious or low, talk to your doctor. Getting the right support can help you feel confident again.

Prevention

You cannot change your age or your genes, but you can lower your risk. The most important steps are eating a balanced diet with enough calcium, getting enough vitamin D, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol. It is never too late to start.

Vaccines

Keeping up with recommended vaccines, such as flu and pneumonia vaccines, can help prevent illnesses that leave you in bed for a long time and cause muscle and bone weakness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what is recommended for you.

Screening programmes

Bone density screening is not needed for everyone. Ask your doctor about it if you are over 50 and have broken a bone after a minor fall, if you have strong risk factors, or if you take a medicine that can weaken bones.

Complications

If left untreated

• Broken bones after minor falls, especially in the hip, spine, or wrist
• Long-term back pain and a curved posture
• Noticeable loss of height
• Reduced independence and confidence

Long-term outlook

Most people with osteoporosis can live well and stay independent. With early diagnosis, the right treatment, and healthy habits, many people never break a bone. Even if a fracture happens, bones can heal, and with rehabilitation you can return to your normal routine.

Find support

International organisations

• International Osteoporosis Foundation ↗

Local organisations

• NHS – Osteoporosis ↗ · United Kingdom

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