Personal Stories

Andrea was surprised to find out she had osteoporosis following her sisters diagnosis after a fracture.

Carole is a strong advocate for early intervention due to her own experience with a delayed osteoporosis diagnosis and her struggle with pain from multiple broken bones.

Dinah Lee is a music icon and still performing but wants others to think about their bone health.

Michelle shares her story to help raise awareness about osteoporosis in young adults

Kimberley shares her story of not being able to carry her new born baby after being diagnosed with osteoporosis following pregnancy.

Marilyn was preparing for a backyard Christmas party 5 years ago when she tripped over some netting (to keep bush turkeys out) and fell on an outdoor table hurting her arm. Her husband drove her to emergency where doctors confirmed she fractured her arm, which required surgery. Four months later Marilyn was called back to the hospital Osteoporosis Refracture Prevention Clinic for further investigation. Marilyn was shocked to find she had severe osteoporosis. Today she takes preventative osteoporosis medication and exercises regularly. She is informed about the condition and shares her story to help others recognise warning signs. Marilyn said “I really appreciated the hospital follow up in my case as it was vital to managing a condition I didn’t know I had.”

Hannah was just 32 when she was diagnosed with osteoporosis. As a young woman, it was not the first condition doctors suspected, and her diagnosis followed a difficult period of trying to understand what was happening to her body.

After experiencing two rib fractures, her GP arranged a bone density scan, which showed severe osteoporosis in her spine and pelvis. “It was scary not knowing what was wrong,” Hannah says. “But once I had an answer, I felt like I could be proactive and do something about it.”

Hannah also has a history of an eating disorder, which formed part of her broader health history. Further testing of her bone health with an endocrinologist followed. Hannah first tried tablet treatment for osteoporosis but later changed to a once-yearly infusion to better accommodate her needs. “I’m grateful my osteoporosis was identified early” she says. She hopes her story encourages people, including younger adults, to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice when something does not feel right.

Julie fractured her leg on her 60^th birthday after slipping due to water on the floor and falling. A bone density scan later showed osteopenia, and blood tests revealed she also had coeliac disease. Although her brother has coeliac disease, she had never suspected it herself because she did not have typical symptoms. Learning about the link between coeliac disease and bone health helped her take a more proactive approach to her wellbeing.

She began focusing on exercise and lifestyle changes, and after another fracture to her forearm in 2025, started osteoporosis treatment. She now encourages others, particularly during menopause, to ask questions and prioritise bone health. “Coeliac disease can be underdiagnosed,” she says. “Advocate for yourself, get blood tests if you need them, and don’t be afraid to take action for your bones.”

Osteoporosis was not something Virginia had thought much about, even though her mum had been diagnosed with it. At 50, after having endometriosis, she began experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. When she had a bone density scan, it showed osteopenia in her hips and normal density in her spine. Seven years later, unexpectedly, her scan showed osteoporosis in her hip and spine. “I didn’t really know what the scores meant,” she says. “When you’re diagnosed, it can be scary.”

She started hormone replacement therapy and began weekly weight-bearing training with a physiotherapist, while continuing to enjoy her other regular activities of pilates and walking. She also focused on vitamin D supplements and getting enough calcium and protein through food. Her most recent scan showed a significant improvement in bone density, with her results now in the osteopenia range. Her message is to be proactive: “Awareness and education are so important. Get educated and don’t fear the diagnosis.”

Around the age of 50, MeeMee experienced menopausal symptoms and a blood test revealed low calcium levels. A bone density scan confirmed she had osteoporosis. She had experienced minor fractures in her ankle. Although her mother and older sister also had osteoporosis, she did not fully understand how seriously it could affect her.

She began calcium, vitamin D and hormone replacement therapy, monitoring her treatment with her specialist. She then had more fractures in her feet and then a serious kneecap fracture after a fall and the injury affected her mobility and required rehabilitation.

MeeMee then started 6 monthly injection treatment for osteoporosis alongside her other therapies. She now understands that osteoporosis needs ongoing care. She encourages people not to wait until a fracture happens before asking questions or seeking help. “Talk with your doctor, see a specialist, understand your risk factors and seek support early, particularly if osteoporosis runs in your family.”

Renee was diagnosed with cancer when she was 32 years old, and subsequently underwent intensive cancer treatment. Renee then experienced premature menopause induced by this medical treatment. Renee was not advised about the impact on her bone health, although premature menopause is a risk factor for both osteopenia (low bone density), and osteoporosis.

Despite two bone density scans revealing osteopenia, Renee was not informed these results were cause for concern. Three days after her second scan, a simple step off her back deck resulted in fractures in her left ankle, and a smaller fracture in her right foot. Renee then underwent surgery for her fractures and was diagnosed with osteoporosis by an endocrinologist following tests and X-rays. It took Renee over a year to recover from her fractures – she experinced pain, difficulty walking, and a long rehabilitation process, and struggled to perform simple, daily tasks.

Since her diagnosis of osteoporosis, Renee has been on osteoporosis treatment, calcium and vitamin D supplements, to help manage her bone health. Renee is passionate about sharing her story, and stresses “prevention is key.”  She says, “I want to raise awareness about the seriousness of osteoporosis, to help prevent, or better manage the disease in others.”