According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, there are ten million persons in the United States with osteoporosis. It is a disease that causes bone loss that can lead to fractures, falls and other complications, including surgery, for many people. While there are some risk factors that you cannot change, there are several that you can control. Being aware of these risk factors can help you take an active role in preventing a potentially debilitating condition as you age.
Age, Gender and Heredity
As you get older, you are more susceptible to osteoporosis. This is because people lose bone density as they age. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, four out of five persons in the United States with osteoporosis are women. Having a family member that was diagnosed with osteoporosis increases your risk for developing it as well. Females with a smaller frame or a lower body weight are more at risk for developing osteoporosis. Caucasians, Asians and Latinos are more likely to develop osteoporosis than African Americans.
Hormonal Risk Factors
According to the National Osteoporosis foundation, after menopause, women lose bone density more rapidly due to the decrease in estrogen levels in their bodies. Females who have an early menopause and/or low estrogen levels, and males with low testosterone levels, may be at higher risk for developing osteoporosis. If you have too much thyroid hormone due to hyperthyroidism, or because you are taking it to correct hypothyroidism, you have an increased risk for osteoporosis.
Diet
Calcium and vitamin D are very important for bone health. Too much phosphorus in a diet without enough calcium, as well as too much protein, caffeine, sodium and soft drinks can deplete the calcium in your bones. In addition to eating foods high in calcium, you should ask your doctor what multivitamin you should be taking, or if you should be taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement. Having a diet high in calcium-rich foods is important in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Sedentary Lifestyle, Smoking and Alcohol
Regular exercise helps to keep bones strong, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Smoking makes it harder to absorb calcium, while the Mayo Clinic reports smoking is linked to weak bones. Drinking alcohol causes increased urinary calcium excretion--and a loss of calcium.
Additional Risk Factors
There are several medications including corticosteroids and certain antidepressants that can lead to osteoporosis. There are also certain diseases including breast cancer, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis that can increase your chances for developing osteoporosis. For a list, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation website. You should discuss with your doctor how often you should be screened for osteoporosis, and what preventive measures you can take. For example, depending on your bone density screening results, your doctor might order a vitamin supplement, or prescribe a biphosphonate, such as alendronate (Fosamax) or ibandronate (Boniva), which slow the rate of bone thinning and can increase bone density.
