Osteoporosis Treatment in Singapore
Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by a decline in bone quality and mass, leading to increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures. These fractures, especially in the spine, hip, and wrist, can significantly impact mobility and independence, affecting overall quality of life. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation Asian Audit, 1 in 3 Singaporean women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis1.
At LG Endocrinology, we offer comprehensive osteoporosis treatment and management plans, and expert guidance on bone health. Learn more below or schedule a consultation today.
Causes of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can occur due to a variety of reasons ranging from hormonal changes to individual lifestyle factors.
- Age: Bone loss accelerates with age as new bone formation slows down.
- Hormonal changes: Low oestrogen levels in women after menopause and low testosterone levels in men can increase osteoporosis risk. Other hormonal abnormalities such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism etc. may also cause a higher risk of fractures.
- Other medical problems: Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of osteoporosis. Other medical problems such as type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney diseases and low vitamin D levels may also lead to higher fracture risk.
- Certain treatments and medications: Some treatments such as chemotherapy for cancers and the use of glucocorticoids may increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Other medications such as antiepileptic drugs and proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole) may also increase osteoporosis risk.
- Family history: A history of hip fracture or osteoporosis in parents may increase the risk of fractures.
- Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excess alcohol intake may increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Others: Being underweight and having sarcopenia (low muscle mass) may contribute to the risk of having osteoporosis. Additionally, a diet low in calcium and vitamin D may contribute to suboptimal bone health.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is often hard to detect because bone loss occurs gradually, without symptoms or pain. As a result, the condition may go undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. In later stages, signs may include:
- Fractures in the hip, spine, or wrist from minor falls
- Persistent back pain
- A stooped posture/hunchback
- Gradual loss of height
How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is a silent disease and often exhibits no symptoms until fractures occur. It is diagnosed when someone experiences a fragility/osteoporotic fracture, usually from minimal trauma, such as a fall from a standing height. For individuals without a history of fractures, a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is used to assess their risk of breaking a bone.
The most common method for measuring BMD is Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), which uses low-dose X-rays to determine bone strength based on its mineral content. DXA is a non-invasive, painless, and relatively safe procedure involving minimal radiation exposure. Its accuracy and reliability make it the most commonly used method for diagnosing and managing osteoporosis.
Find out about your risk of osteoporosis
Take this simple test to evaluate your risk of osteoporosis:
Image source: Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Osteoporosis Treatment Options in Singapore
Depending on your fracture risk, your doctor may recommend the following treatments for osteoporosis to reduce the risk of fracture.
Medications
| Type of medication** | Examples | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Bisphosphonates |
| Prevent bone loss and reduce fracture risk |
| Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) |
| SERMs mimic oestrogen to protect bones and are suitable for postmenopausal women |
| Hormone medications* *Generally not first-line therapy unless being used to treat menopausal symptoms or low testosterone symptoms |
|
|
| Denosumab |
| Blocks a protein that causes bone breakdown and reduces fracture risk |
| PTH and PTHrP analogues |
| Mimics the action of parathyroid hormone and stimulates new bone formation |
| Romosuzumab |
| Blocks a protein that inhibits new bone formation and promotes new bone growth |
**Your doctor will assess your suitability for each treatment
Lifestyle measures to reduce bone loss
All individuals with osteoporosis should continue or adopt general lifestyle measures to reduce bone loss. This includes getting enough calcium and vitamin D, staying active, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Calcium/vitamin D
To maintain optimal bone health, it is recommended that adults consume between 1000-1200 mg of calcium daily. Those with inadequate dietary intake should take supplemental calcium (generally 500 to 1000 mg/d in divided doses at mealtimes).
Vitamin D supplements are recommended between 800-1000 IU/day. In some settings, higher doses are required (e.g. gastrointestinal malabsorption, very low vitamin D levels).
Diet
An optimal diet for bone health includes adequate caloric intake to avoid malnutrition. Adequate protein intake should be achieved as part of a well-balanced diet.
Exercise
All individuals should aim to do weight-bearing exercises for at least 30 minutes most days of the week and incorporate muscle strengthening and posture exercises two to three days a week. Exercises that increase muscular strength and improve balance are especially beneficial for preventing fractures by lowering the risk of falls.
Our Osteoporosis Specialist
Dr Linsey Gani
Consultant Endocrinologist
MBBS (Aust), B Med Sci, FRACP (Endocrine), FAMS (S’pore), MPH (Harvard), Clinical Assistant Professor (Duke-NUS Medical School)
Languages: English, Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia
Dr Gani is an experienced specialist in the field of bon health and osteoporosis. She is the Vice President of the Osteoporosis Society of Singapore where she routinely conducts educational courses for the public and healthcare professionals. She also led the development of the osteoporosis liaison service in Changi General Hospital, which provides secondary fracture prevention in patients with fragility fractures.
Why Choose Us?
Our clinic provides comprehensive care for osteoporosis, offering detailed diagnosis, personalised treatment plans and ongoing management to support long-term bone health and overall well-being.
Conveniently located at Novena Medical Centre in central Singapore, our clinic is easily accessible by both private and public transportation.
Dr Gani is actively involved in advancing bone health through clinical care, research, and professional training programmes such as the SkillsFuture-funded Osteoporosis Management Course.
FAQs About Osteoporosis Treatment
Why is it important to see a doctor for osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more prone to fragility fractures, which can occur from minor falls or even routine activities. These fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist, can lead to long-term complications and reduced quality of life.
For example, one in three individuals who suffer a hip fracture experiences a significant loss of function and becomes dependent on others for daily activities2. Additionally, one in five people with an osteoporotic hip fracture dies within a year due to complications such as infections, immobility, and other health risks2.
As such, seeing a doctor for early screening and treatment can help strengthen bones, reduce fracture risk, and improve long-term health and quality of life.
Am I at risk of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that often shows no symptoms until a fracture happens. Post-menopausal women and older men should consider getting screened for osteoporosis to understand their fracture risk better. You may also use some tools to assess your risk for osteoporosis including:
- Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA): Using the chart, understand your risk of osteoporosis based on your age and weight
- FRAX: Complete the questionnaire to find out the ten-year probability of fracture
Who should get bone density testing?
Bone density testing is recommended for females aged 65 and older (at least once) and males over 70, depending on their risk factors.
Testing might also be recommended for younger individuals at higher risk of fractures due to:
- A history of fractures as an adult
- Long-term steroid use
- Being underweight
- Early menopause
- Having rheumatoid arthritis
- A parent who experienced a hip fracture after a minor injury
- Conditions that accelerate bone thinning, such as uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Book an appointment with us to take a bone density test.
What happens during a DXA test?
The DXA test is a quick and painless procedure that takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. It does not require any preparation and radiation exposure is minimal.
During the test, you will lie on a table while an X-ray machine scans one of your bones. After the test, your doctor will review the results with you and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Is there a cure for osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition, but it can be treated and fracture risks can be reduced. The main aim of osteoporosis treatment is to preserve bone health, prevent fractures and maintain mobility and independence for any individual regardless of age.
Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, a balanced diet, and weight-bearing exercises can help support bone health. Medications may also be prescribed to slow bone loss or rebuild density.
Book an appointment with our osteoporosis specialist today to learn how you can protect your bones.
- Retrieved from Osteoporosis awareness among patients in Singapore (OASIS)—a community hospital perspective
- Retrieved from How Osteoarthritis and Hip Fracture Can Kill
Book an Appointment
Fill out the form below to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Linsey Gani Endocrinology
10 Sinaran Drive, #10-08, Novena Medical Center, Singapore 307506
+65 6397 7101
+65 9128 7480
Monday - Friday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
09:00-12:00
Closed
Monday - Friday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
09:00 - 12:00
Closed