Risk Factors
There are many risk factors that can lead to decreased bone density and osteoporosis.
Gender. Women have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis than men because
of less bone tissue and more rapid bone loss caused by decreased estrogen levels due to
menopause. During the first 3 to 5 years after menopause, the rate of bone loss
increases in women, and they can lose up to 20% of their bone mass during the first 5 to
7 years following menopause.
Sex Hormones. Sex hormones, especially estrogen, play a role in maintaining the health
and normal density of bones. In men, low testosterone levels can cause a decrease bone
density.
Age. The older a person is, the greater the risk.
Ethnicity. Caucasian and Asian women tend to have lower bone density than African
American and Hispanic women, and are at greater risk for developing the disease.
Body Size. Thin, small-boned women with a low body weight or low body mass index are
at greater risk of low bone mass and rapid bone loss.
Diet. A diet low in calcium and vitamin D increases the chances of developing
osteoporosis. In addition, regular consumption of cola may increase the risk for low bone
mineral density.
Exercise. Lack of physical activity, including weight-bearing exercise, increases the
chances of developing osteoporosis.
Cigarette Smoking. Smoking reduces bone mass in several ways, including reducing
calcium absorption and lowering women’s estrogen levels.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption. Alcohol decreases the level of bone mass and
increases the rate of bone loss. In addition, drinking alcohol increases the chances of
falling and breaking a bone.
Medication Use. Prolonged use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids,
anticonvulsants, antacids, excessive thyroid hormones, gonadotropin releasing hormones
(for endometriosis), methotrexate (for cancer treatment), cyclosporine A (an
immunosuppressant drug), heparin, and cholestyramine (to control blood cholesterol
levels), put people at a higher risk.
There are many risk factors that can lead to decreased bone density and osteoporosis.
Gender. Women have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis than men because
of less bone tissue and more rapid bone loss caused by decreased estrogen levels due to
menopause. During the first 3 to 5 years after menopause, the rate of bone loss
increases in women, and they can lose up to 20% of their bone mass during the first 5 to
7 years following menopause.
Sex Hormones. Sex hormones, especially estrogen, play a role in maintaining the health
and normal density of bones. In men, low testosterone levels can cause a decrease bone
density.
Age. The older a person is, the greater the risk.
Ethnicity. Caucasian and Asian women tend to have lower bone density than African
American and Hispanic women, and are at greater risk for developing the disease.
Body Size. Thin, small-boned women with a low body weight or low body mass index are
at greater risk of low bone mass and rapid bone loss.
Diet. A diet low in calcium and vitamin D increases the chances of developing
osteoporosis. In addition, regular consumption of cola may increase the risk for low bone
mineral density.
Exercise. Lack of physical activity, including weight-bearing exercise, increases the
chances of developing osteoporosis.
Cigarette Smoking. Smoking reduces bone mass in several ways, including reducing
calcium absorption and lowering women’s estrogen levels.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption. Alcohol decreases the level of bone mass and
increases the rate of bone loss. In addition, drinking alcohol increases the chances of
falling and breaking a bone.
Medication Use. Prolonged use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids,
anticonvulsants, antacids, excessive thyroid hormones, gonadotropin releasing hormones
(for endometriosis), methotrexate (for cancer treatment), cyclosporine A (an
immunosuppressant drug), heparin, and cholestyramine (to control blood cholesterol
levels), put people at a higher risk.
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Protect your bone at every age...
Live Well, Live Strong, Live Long
Live Well, Live Strong, Live Long