Risks of no treatment

It’s important to know that there are risks if osteoporosis is not properly treated. Untreated osteoporosis can lead to broken bones (fractures), especially in the hip and spine, that can cause serious pain, disability, loss of independence, or death. For example, about 25% of women with hip fracture die within the next year.

Broken bones often require surgery and usually result in a loss of mobility and independence. While some fractures result from a fall, they can even be caused by activities such as twisting or hard coughing. For most osteoporosis patients, the benefits of preventing broken bones greatly outweigh the small risks of a possible medication side effect.