Osteoporosis Risk Factors and Prevention Guidelines

There are several factors that can determine if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. These include:

• Age - your risk of developing osteoporosis increases as you age.
• Bone structure and body weight - small boned and thin women (under 127 pounds) are at greater risk than larger women.
• Family and personal history - women who have a family member who has developed osteoporosis or whose mothers have a history of vertebral fractures seem to be at greater risk. Having a personal history of fractures as an adult also seems to increase your risk.
• Gender - women have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis than men because women have less bone tissue and lose bone more rapidly than men because of the hormonal changes that come with menopause.
• Lifestyle - continued cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol intake, not enough calcium in your diet and doing little or no weight-bearing exercise can increase your risk.
• Medications or chronic diseases - certain medications to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, endocrine disorders, seizure disorders and gastrointestinal diseases can cause bone damaging side effects and lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis.
• Menopause/Menstrual History - normal or early menopause, even if brought about due to surgery, increases your risk of developing osteoporosis. Women who stop menstruating before menopause because of conditions such as anorexia or bulimia, excessive physical exercise are also at increased risk.
• Race - Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis but African American and Hispanic women also face significant risk.

While there are treatments, there is no cure for osteoporosis so prevention is key. The Baylor Women's Center at Plano encourages you to follow the National Osteoporosis Foundation's five steps to bone health and osteoporosis prevention:

• Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D
• Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use
• Talk to your health care provider about bone health
• Have a bone density test and take medication when recommended by your physician

Learn more about preventing osteoporosis