Osteoporosis means porous bones, brittle bones fracture easily. One third of women will develop osteoporosis. In women, a lack of oestrogen after early menopause or a hysterectomy before the age of 45 affects bone density. Strong bones build during teenage years, anorexic girls are very much at risk, so, invest in your bones. The disease is linked to hypogonadism in men and in both sexes, the long term use of steroids, cigarettes , alcohol, immobility and some inflammatory bowel diseases. A fracture occurs when at least 30% of bone density is lost, a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan DEXA is the most reliable test. In order to prevent osteoporosis, consume foods rich in calcium, fresh fruit and vegetables, and avoid excess animal protein, salt or caffeine, which all reduce the body’s ability to retain calcium. Regular exercise is recommended. Treatments include HRT, calcium supplements, non hormonal tablets called biphosphonates and Serms, a synthetic hormone replacement. These do not increase breast or endometrial cancers. Osteoporosis is defined as a disease characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and an increase in fracture risk. The bone present is normally mineralised , but quantity, quality and structural integrity are deficient.The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines osteoporosis as a bone density more than 2.5 standard deviations below the young adult mean value.Osteoporosis and the resultant fractures are a major problem in ageing populations. The lifetime risk of hip fracture for a Caucasian woman at age 60 is approximately 15%, compared with 5% for men., with equal risk for vertebral or wrist fractures. The risk of fracture increases exponentially with age, so that one in three women and one in five men surviving to 80 years of age will suffer a hip fracture.