Finding Out If You Have Osteoporosis
Risk Factors For Osteoporosis
RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CHANGE
- Hormone Levels
- Early menopause, occurring naturally or surgically (for example, removal of the ovaries).
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- Diet
- Low calcium and vitamin D intake is harmful to bone health. Excessive consumption of other nutrients, such as protein and sodium (salt), can decrease calcium absorption.
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- Exercise
- Maintaining a physically active lifestyle throughout life is important. Individuals who are inactive, immobilized, or bed ridden for long periods of time, are at high risk for osteoporosis.
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- Lifestyle Choices
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are bad for bone health. Women who smoke have lower estrogen levels and go through menopause earlier. Excessive alcohol use causes poor nutrition and increased risk of falling.
RISK FACTORS YOU CANNOT CHANGE
- Gender
- Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
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- Age
- The longer you live, the higher the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
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- Heredity
- Young women whose mother or father have had fractures tend to have lower bone density.
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- Body Size
- Small-boned, thin women and men are at higher risk than larger, big-boned persons. Bigger body size; however is no guarantee that you will not develop osteoporosis.
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- Ethnicity
- Caucasians and those of Asian descent are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis.