Irish women at high risk of osteoporosis

The Irish Osteoporosis Society says one in three women over the age of 50 is likely to break a bone in her lifetime due to osteoporosis.

The condition has no symptoms, and most sufferers only recognise it when they have a fracture.

Professor Moira O'Brien from the Irish Osteoporosis Society, says that women should have a DEXA scan to test for the condition.

If there is a family history of the disease then all family members should be tested.

The DEXA scan provides a direct measurement of bone mineral density and can help identify patients who would benefit from taking preventative measures or treatment, according to Prof. O'Brien.

Osteoporosis occurs when the density and quality of the bones is reduced leading to weakness of the skeleton and increases the risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, wrist, and hips.