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Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

January 18, 2005

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Some of us have a greater risk than others of developing osteoporosis, or soft bones, which can lead to fractures.

Ten million men and women have this problem and up to 20 million may have it and not know it. Women have a greater risk than men of developing the problem because they have less bone mass to start with, and they live longer.

Small-framed thin women have the highest risk. Getting your first period late or entering menopause early increases the risk by reducing overall exposure to estrogen.

Having a family member with osteoporosis or haven diabetes, kidney or liver disease or a digestive problem which reduces your calcium intake can raise your risk, as do tobacco and alcohol. Water pills containing antacids with aluminum in them and steroids can also increase your risk, as can too much thyroid hormone.

The older and more sedentary you get, the greater your risk. Whites have the highest risk, blacks the lowest. Asians and Hispanics are in between.

If you are over 50 or have one of the risk factors, see your doctor. You need a history, a physical exam and bone density test.

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