'I was stunned by my diagnosis': What you need to know about protecting your bone health

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Although bone loss typically begins years before menopause, it's possible to strengthen your bones at any age

Annette Cashell has osteopenia and is taking steps to improve her bone health. Picture: Moya Nolan

Annette Cashell from Malahide was shocked when she received a diagnosis of osteopenia — the early stage of osteoporosis — aged 47.

Attending a course on bone health had piqued her curiosity and prompted her to book a DXA scan, an X-ray that shows bone density. She was convinced she would “ace it” because she had none of the risk factors for osteoporosis, a condition in which bones lose density, becoming weaker, and more prone to breakage.