MALAYSIA'S ageing population is expected to reach 16.3 per cent by 2040i – as such, the number of women susceptible to osteoporosis is likely to increase as menopause is the most critical risk factor for the conditioni.

Osteoporosis refers to a skeletal condition in which a person develops low bone mass leading to fragile bones.

This increases the risk of fragility fractures, impacting their independence, quality of life, and even survival.

"Often, osteoporosis gets overlooked even though it can lead to devastating consequences. We recognise the critical importance of protecting bone health and preventing fragility fractures as women enter the postmenopausal phase of their life," says Amgen Malaysia general manager, Colin Chan.

He adds that bones continually experience breakdown and formation, known as bone remodelling, and osteoporosis occurs when the breakdown occurs faster than bone formation.

While osteoporosis can affect any bone, the ones in the wrist, hip and spine are most likely to be fractured.

Fragility Fracture Network of Malaysia (FFNM) president and consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Datuk Dr Lee Joon Kiong says osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures among postmenopausal women.

Those who already have an osteoporotic fracture are at a high risk of a subsequent fracture if they are not started on an appropriate treatment regimen

"I would advise women with severe postmenopausal osteoporosis to talk to their doctors and determine the best treatment option for them to reduce their risk of future fractures," adds Dr Lee who's also a founding member of the Bone Health Alliance Malaysia (BHAM).

Osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures among postmenopausal women. Picture: Created by jcomp - www.freepik.com
Osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures among postmenopausal women. Picture: Created by jcomp - www.freepik.com

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