MEDICAL INSIDER
DR CORA LIM
FOR SEPT 17, 2027

OSTEOPOROSIS
(Part 1)

What is Osteoporosis?
It is a condition that makes the bones fragile. There are
usually no symptoms, and it’s often only discovered when
you break a bone in a minor accident or fall.
Bone is a living tissue, but as we get older, it’s not able to
renew itself as well and our bones start to thin.
This happens to everybody to some degree, and when the
bones become fragile it’s called osteoporosis.
Who is at risk?
Osteoporosis is more common in women, particularly after
the menopause period.
You are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis if you:

  • Have steroid treatment for more than three months
    • Have a family history of osteoporosis
  • Don’t do much weight-bearing exercise
  • Are a heavy drinker or smoker
  • Have a low body weight
  • Have an early menopause (before the age of 45)
  • Had your ovaries removed/surgery
    How can I help myself ?
    The following will help to reduce your risk of developing
    osteoporosis:
  • Plenty of calcium and vitamin D as part of a well-
    balanced diet dairy products such as milk, cheese and
    yogurt
  • Exercise regularly, especially activities that involve
    walking or running
  • Stop smoking
  • Don’t drink too much alcohol
    Who is the right person to treat you?
    A RHEUMATOLOGIST IS THE RIGHT PERSON TO
    TREAT YOU. Your rheumatologist would advise you a
    special test “DEXA or DXA SCAN” (Dual Energy X-ray
    Absorptiometry) for diagnosis. This test measures bone
    density. The possible results are:
  • Normal-risk of a low-impact fracture is low
    • Osteopenia – Your bone is weaker but your risk of a low-
    impact fracture is relatively small
    • Osteoporosis- You have a greater risk of low-impact
    fractures and you may need treatment – discuss this with
    your doctor
    This test is done before starting treatment and later at 2-5
    years intervals as per your doctor’s advice. (To be
    continued)