Osteoporosis Risk Factors

Some people are more susceptible to osteoporosis than others. Risk factors can be divided into both controllable as well as uncontrollable categories. For example, a number of the risk factors for osteoporosis are in the control of the individual, such as weight, while other risk factors can´t be controlled, such as family history of osteoporosis. Gender is the most dominant risk factor for developing osteoporosis. About 80% of the individuals who suffer osteoporosis are women. Continue reading below to find out what other risk factors put certain individuals at a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis, including certain medications.

Osteoporosis	Medications linked to Bone Loss Certain medications have been linked to a higher incidence of bone loss, which may lead to osteoporosis. If taking any of the following medications it is advised that a woman speak to her doctor about frequent bone density tests to monitor the situation. Steroid medications such as prednisone, cortisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone, which are used for asthma, arthritis, and psoriasis, have all been linked to a loss in bone density. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI`s) in recent research have also been shown to lower bone mineral density among both men and women using them. While this hasn`t been definitively linked to osteoporosis, it may be wise to speak to a doctor about the possibility. Other medications such as certain blood thinning pharmaceuticals, some anti-seizure medications, and diuretics have all also been linked to bone density loss. If taking any of the medication outlined above, care must be paid to the possibility of osteoporosis. That doesn´t mean it´s time to
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start worrying. Continue reading to learn more of the other risk factors associated with osteoporosis.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

Some risk factors are simply out of the control of the individual and can´t be changed. Even in this case, it´s helpful to know if these risk factors are present so preventative or treatment techniques can be administered as soon as possible. Here is a list of unchangeable risk factors for osteoporosis:

Age	Although osteoporosis can affect people of all ages, it becomes far more common as people age, especially once they surpass age 50.
Sex	Osteoporosis is more common in women than men. About 80%, or four out of five, osteoporosis sufferers are women. There are several reasons for this. Women tend to have lighter, thinner bones. A woman's risk of osteoporosis is equal to her combined risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Women going through menopause or post-menopausal women are even more susceptible because of diminished amounts of hormones that are necessary for regenerating bone.
Family history	Research suggests that heredity and genetics play a major role in osteoporosis. Parents who have osteoporosis or history of broken bones have children who have a greater chance of getting the disease.
Body type	Women and men with small bones are more likely than larger people to have osteoporosis. But that doesn't mean heavier or larger people can't get it.
Race and ethnicity	While osteoporosis affects all races and ethnicities, people who are Caucasian or of Asian or Latino descent are more likely to develop osteoporosis than those of African heritage.
History of broken bones	People who have broken one or more bones during their adult years are at greater risk for osteoporosis. In fact, they may already have low bone density or osteoporosis. A person who has broken a bone as an adult should talk to their healthcare provider about osteoporosis.
Diseases and conditions	Here are some diseases and conditions that put a person with one or more of them at greater risk of developing osteoporosis: AIDS/HIV, blood and bone marrow disorders, breast cancer, eating disorders, Emphysema, gastrectomy, gastrointestinal bypass procedures, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, Lupus, lymphoma and leukemia, malabsorption syndromes, multiple sclerosis, organ transplants, Parkinson's disease, poor diet, post-polio syndrome, premature menopause, prostate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, severe liver disease, spinal cord injuries, stroke, thalassemia, weight loss.

To learn more about the risk factors that are generally in the control of the individual, continue reading below.

Controllable Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

While the above osteoporosis risk factors are largely out of the control of the individual, there are some risk factors that can be controlled or diminished to lessen the chance of osteoporosis. These changeable risk factors are listed below.

• Alcohol Abuse. Drinking heavily can reduce bone formation. In many cases, people who drink too much do not get enough calcium. Drinking may also affect the body's calcium supply. In addition, drinking too much is bad for a person´s overall health and can make you more likely to fall. Many people fall and break a hip or other bone when they are drunk. Alcohol in smaller amounts, however, does not harm bone health. This usually means no more than two drinks a day.

Continue reading below to find out how a doctor diagnoses osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Diagnosis

One of the only ways to determine if a person has osteoporosis is with a test called a bone density scan. It measures the amount of minerals in bones. This scan requires large machinery and must be conducted in a hospital or doctor´s office with the right equipment.

Bone density is measured on a point scale, called a "T" score. Normal bone density has a T score -1 or higher. If a person´s T score measures between -1 and -2.5, she will probably be diagnosed with osteopenia, a milder form of osteoporosis. A T score of less than -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.

Now that the many osteoporosis risk factors have been discussed, it would be ideal to learn about the causes of osteoporosis.

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