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Osteoporosis: Know Your Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis are called "risk factors." There are many factors that determine who will develop osteoporosis. The first step in prevention is to determine whether you are at risk, since not everyone is. The following risk factors have been identified:
- Age
- Gender
- Family History and Personal History of Fractures as an Adult
- Race
- Bone Structure and Body Weight
- Menopause/Menstrual History
- Lifestyle
- Medications/Chronic Diseases
Age
The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Your bones become weaker and less dense as you age.[ back to top ]
Gender
Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are a woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone more rapidly than men because of the changes involved in menopause.[ back to top ]
Family History and Personal History of Fractures as an Adult
Susceptibility to fracture may be, in part, hereditary. Young women whose mothers have a history of osteoporosis or of vertebral fractures also seem to have reduced bone mass. A personal history of a fracture as an adult also increases your fracture risk.[ back to top ]
Race
Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis. However, African American and Hispanic women are at significant risk for developing the disease.[ back to top ]
Bone Structure and Body Weight
Women under 127 pounds are at greater risk as are women with low bone mass.[ back to top ]
Menopause/Menstrual History
Women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis. Normal or early menopause (brought about naturally or because of surgery) increases your risk of developing osteoporosis. In addition, women who stop menstruating before menopause because of conditions such as anorexia or bulimia, or because of excessive physical exercise, may also lose bone tissue and develop osteoporosis.[ back to top ]
Lifestyle
Current cigarette smoking, drinking too much alcohol, consuming an inadequate amount of calcium or getting little or no weight-bearing exercise all increase your chances of developing osteoporosis.[ back to top ]
Medications/Chronic Diseases
A significant and often overlooked risk factor in the development of osteoporosis is the use of certain medications to treat chronic medical conditions. Medications to treat disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, endocrine disorders (i.e. an under-active thyroid), seizure disorders and gastrointestinal diseases may have side effects that can damage bone and lead to osteoporosis.One class of drugs that has particularly damaging effects on the skeleton is glucocorticoids. The following drugs also can cause bone loss:
- Excessive thyroid hormones
- Anticonvulsants
- Antacids containing aluminum
- Gonadotropin releasing hormones (GnRH) used for treatment of endometriosis
- Methotrexate for cancer treatment
- Cyclosporine A, an immunosuppressive drug
- Heparin
- Cholestyramine, taken to control blood cholesterol levels
For many people, these are life-saving or life-enhancing drugs, and their use may be the only way to achieve a better quality of life. That's why it is important to discuss the use of these medications with your physician and not stop or alter your medication dose on your own.
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