Last updated on 28/04/2026

 

Asthma and osteoporosis are two common health issues for women, yet many people don’t realise how closely they are linked. Oral steroid tablets are an important asthma medicine for treating serious flare-ups, but frequent use can weaken bones over time. This matters because women already face a much higher risk of low bone density, especially after menopause.  

ORAL STEROIDS AND OSTEOPOROSIS RISK

Oral steroids are a strong anti-inflammatory medicine. These medicines can be lifesaving during a flare-up because they reduce swelling in the airways. But they also have side effects, especially when used often. A common long-term side effect is that they weaken bones over time. Women already have a much higher risk of osteoporosis, especially after menopause. When you add repeated courses of steroid tablets, the risk becomes even higher. 

Osteoporosis and osteopenia together are about five times more common in women than in men.  

  • Osteoporosis is a chronic condition defined by low bone mineral density, which increases the risk of fractures. 
  • Osteopenia refers to bone-mineral density that is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. 

Research shows that people who have taken over 1000mg of oral steroids in total over their lifetime, are at much higher risk of severe side effects – including osteoporosis. This may be as little as four standard adult five-day courses that might be prescribed for an asthma flare-up or attack.  

This means women with severe or difficult-to-control asthma may face two challenges at once: keeping their asthma under control and protecting their bones. 

PROTECTING YOUR BONES FROM ORAL STEROIDS

The good news is that there are ways to reduce this risk. Keeping healthy with good asthma control can help you avoid the need to use oral steroids to treat flare-ups. 

Using your preventer inhaler every day, having your inhaler technique checked by a doctor, pharmacist or nurse and regular asthma reviews with your doctor can help prevent flare-ups. This means fewer times when oral steroid tablets are needed. For women who do need oral steroids, doctors can also give advice on bone checks, calcium and vitamin D, and ways to keep bones strong. 

If you are over 70 or have certain medical conditions, you may be eligible for free bone density scan. 

Read more about oral steroid health checks

QUESTIONS ABOUT ORAL STEROIDS

Call our free information and support service to speak with an Asthma Educator. They can answer your questions about asthma and oral steroids. 

Call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462), email [email protected] or book an appointment online.  

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– 1800 ASTHMA Caller