Osteoporosis (NHS)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: National Health Service · Published: August 8, 2026 · Accessed: August 8, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break; it develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a fracture.
• Women lose bone rapidly in the first few years after menopause, and women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men, particularly if menopause begins early (before age 45) or the ovaries have been removed.
• A bone density (DEXA) scan is a short, painless procedure taking 10-20 minutes; a T-score above -1 SD is normal, between -1 and -2.5 SD is osteopenia (bone loss), and below -2.5 SD is osteoporosis.
• Prevention includes regular exercise, eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, and taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
• A cough or sneeze can sometimes cause a broken rib or partial collapse of a spinal bone in people with weakened bones.