Risk Factors

You Cannot Change

Gender: While anyone can develop osteoporosis, chances are greater if you are a woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because of the changes that happen with menopause.

Age: The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Your bones become thinner and weaker as you age.

Body size: Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk.

Ethnicity: Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. African American and Hispanic women have a lower but significant risk.

Family history: Fracture risk may be due, in part, to heredity. People whose parents have a history of fractures also seem to have reduced bone mass and may be at risk for fractures.

Risk Factors

You Can Change

Sex hormones: Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), low estrogen level (menopause), and low testosterone level in men can bring on osteoporosis.

Anorexia nervosa: Characterized by an irrational fear of weight gain, this eating disorder increases your risk for osteoporosis.

Calcium and vitamin D intake: A lifetime diet low in calcium and vitamin D makes you more prone to bone loss.

Medication use: Long-term use of glucocorticoids and some anticonvulsants can lead to loss of bone density and fractures.

Lifestyle: An inactive lifestyle or extended bed rest tends to weaken bones.

Cigarette smoking: Cigarettes are bad for bones as well as the heart and lungs.

Alcohol intake: Excessive consumption increases the risk of bone loss and fractures.