What are Osteoporosis Risk Factors?
• Women are more likely to get osteoporosis as a result of their thinner, lighter bones and frame and a decrease in estrogen after menopause. • White and Asian women are at highest risk. African-American and Hispanic women have a lower but still significant risk. • A small-boned frame and low body weight especially combined with early menopause. • Long-term use of steroids, Depo Provera, heparin, some anti-seizure and thyroid medications increases risk. • Lifestyles that include diets low in calcium and vitamin D, little or no exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol and caffeine use contribute significantly to this disease. • Age increases the risk of osteoporosis. • A pattern of fractures and family members who have a stooped appearance or have lost height as they have aged. How Will I Know if I Have this Bone Disease? The only way to know for sure is to have a bone mineral density test (BMD), also called a DEXA scan. This painless test measures the thickness of the bone by using a speci
