We get a number of calls on the helpline from people taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs) such as letrozole, arimidex or exemestane as part of their treatment for breast cancer who are worried about their risk of osteoporosis asking what they can do about it.

Osteoporosis means ‘porous bones’ when the usually strong structure of the bones becomes thin and weakened. Natural bone loss tends to happen as we get older anyway, but during our lives the hormone oestrogen has...