First Nations Australians

Kidney problems

For strong bones, your kidneys must be working well so that they can keep things in the right balance. If you have problems with your kidneys, this can lead to poor bone health. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can impact your bones in two ways. The inflammation can lead to weaker bones and some of the medicines to control inflammation in your body can lower your bone strength. It can also mean you do less exercise which is not good for your bone health or balance. 

Diabetes

Having high levels of sugar in your body (which can happen with diabetes) can be bad for the strength of your bones. This can happen with childhood diabetes or adults with Type II diabetes.

Liver problems

Liver problems can impact the building of your bones. If you have chronic liver disease, you should chat with your health worker. 

Low vitamin D

Your body mainly gets vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D is very important for helping calcium get into your bones. Calcium is needed to help keep your bones strong. If your body does not have enough vitamin D, your bones will not be healthy.  

Thyroid problems

Over active thyroid – this problem is where the thyroid gland makes too much thyroxine. This can impact bone in a bad way and if not treated can lead to poor bone health. 

Under active thyroid – people with this problem have a thyroid gland that makes too little thyroxine. The medication for this needs to be at the right balance or it can be bad for your bones. 

Certain cancer treatments

Specific medicines for prostate and breast cancer can have an impact on your bone health. You should chat about this with your health worker.