RUTH SUNDERLAND: I only found out I had osteoporosis when I broke a bone… it shouldn’t be like that

A few months ago, before I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, my awareness of bone health was almost zero. I suspect the same is true for many people. Now I am determined to do everything in my power to help others – both women and men – avoid ending up in my situation.

I found out I had osteoporosis after an accident while training for a half marathon. It was a blessing in a very painful disguise. If I hadn’t broken my shoulder, I would still be living my life happily, completely oblivious to the fact that my bones were getting weaker. My suspicion is that thousands are in the same state of false security.

The thought that I will be vulnerable to more painful bone fractures for the rest of my life is downright terrifying. But knowledge gives me power. I’m taking steps to reduce the risks through diet and exercise, and while I don’t let it hold me back in my life, I am taking more care to avoid trips and falls.

The diagnosis has also given me access to treatments that can significantly reduce the risk of a fracture.

This is a personal choice, but I am grateful that I was given Evenity, a new drug for osteoporosis. I hope it will be a powerful weapon in my fight.

RUTH SUNDERLAND: I discovered I had osteoporosis after an accident while training for a half marathon. It was a blessing in a very painful disguise. If I hadn’t broken my shoulder, I would still be living my life happily, completely oblivious to the fact that my bones were getting weaker.

Corinne Turnbull (pictured) at Everest base camp. Shortly before her 40th birthday, she was diagnosed with osteoporosis

I started monthly injections in January and have had no side effects so far.

Although I thought I was pretty informed when it came to health and fitness, I now realize that my bones were a total blind spot. Considering that our bones are literally the structure upon which we create our lives, this is bizarre.

Our skeletons support our body. They ensure that we can move and protect our internal organs. Bone marrow produces new blood cells to keep us healthy and store minerals such as calcium.

I had thought about cancer, cardiovascular health and all the rest, but keeping my bones strong and healthy wasn’t on the radar.

As for osteoporosis, in my eyes it was something that happened to my mother’s generation, not mine. I learned the hard way that I was wrong. Bone strength peaks around age 30 and can decline rapidly in women around menopause due to loss of estrogen.

The medical profession and employers are becoming increasingly aware of the health of midlife women. However, bone health is largely missing from the discussion.

The whole way we think about osteoporosis needs to change.

The common perception that it is an age-related disease means that it is viewed through a lens of negativity and low expectations. These ageist and sexist stereotypes must be thrown away.

If osteoporosis is detected early, with the right support and care, people can live very fulfilling lives.

I am so inspired by the incredible women on these pages. Despite osteoporosis, they are not only strong in spirit, but also unbreakable.