Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions on PCOS and osteoporosis

Q. My sister fell recently and fractured her wrist. She was told by her doctor she has osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of developing the condition?

A. Osteoporosis occurs when bones become brittle and fragile due to a reduced bone density which in turn increases risk of fracture as impacts that would not ordinarily cause any damage make bones susceptible to breaking.

Bones grow and develop throughout childhood and adolescence when maximum bone density can be expected to be laid down. After the age of 35, bone density generally begins to decline. The elderly and especially women after the menopause are at an increased risk of decline in bone density.