Persons at Risk for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a risk for majority of women. Women have less bone mass density so they are more prone to osteoporosis. Menopause is also one of the reasons of osteoporosis. Read on to know the potential targets of osteoporosis and the risk factors associated with it.

What kind of person is most at risk

Every woman is potentially at risk. In fact, 1 out of every 2 women will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. But there are general factors which increase or decrease the risk of osteoporosis:

Gender: Women have greater chances of getting Osteoporosis than men. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone more rapidly than men because of changes that occur during menopause.
Diet: A lifetime diet that is low in calcium and vitamin D increases the chances of osteoporosis.
Age: The older you are, the greater your risk of getting osteoporosis. Bones become less dense and weaker as you age.
Lifestyle: Women who have mostly lived an inactive lifestyle with very little physical exercise are more at risk.
Body size: Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk than normal or over-weight women.
Sex hormones: Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), low estrogen level (menopause), and low testosterone level in men.

Isn't osteoporosis just a part of growing old

Not true. Osteoporosis was once thought to be an unavoidable part of aging. But now we know it is a disease with specific causes, and therefore it can be prevented and treated.

Are women more vulnerable than men

Eight percent of osteoporotics are women and 20% men. Men develop a higher bone mass in their younger years because of greater physical activity. Besides, menopause in women causes estrogen levels to fall significantly which causes a marked loss of bone.

Can YOU get osteoporosis? Find out if you are a potential target.

Are you extremely thin?
Do you have a family history of Osteoporosis or fractures?
Is your diet low in dairy products or other sources of calcium?
Is your physical activity less than normal?
Do you, or have you ever, smoked or consumed alcohol in excess?
Did your menstrual periods have a long break for reasons other than pregnancy or nursing?
Have you been taking excessive medication or high doses of cortisone-like drugs for asthma, arthritis or cancer?
Are you a post-menopausal woman?
Have you had an early menopause?
Have you had surgery for removal of ovaries?

The more times you answer 'YES' the greater your risk! Act now, consult your doctor immediately. Prevention is the only protection against osteoporosis.