10 Osteoporosis Risk Factors You Should Know

Osteoporosis Risk Isn’t Always Obvious

You may assume your bones are healthy because you feel healthy.

Unfortunately, osteoporosis doesn’t always give you a reason to suspect something is wrong.

Your risk for osteoporosis can be influenced by age, hormones, genetics, medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle.

Understanding those risk factors is one of the easiest ways to become more proactive about your bone health.

1. Age

Bone density generally changes as we get older, and fracture risk increases with age.

Age alone does not mean you have osteoporosis, but it becomes increasingly important when combined with other risk factors.

2. Menopause

The decline in estrogen around menopause can accelerate bone loss.

Women who have additional risk factors may need to discuss bone-density screening with their healthcare provider.

3. Family History

A parent with osteoporosis or a history of hip fracture can increase your risk.

Genetics are not destiny, but family history is an important part of a complete assessment.

4. Previous Fracture

A fracture resulting from a relatively minor fall or injury may indicate weakened bone.

A previous fragility fracture is one of the most important clues that someone may have increased future fracture risk.

5. Low Body Weight

Being significantly underweight can be associated with lower bone density.

Adequate calories, protein, calcium, and vitamin D are important components of maintaining bone health.

6. Smoking

Smoking is associated with poorer bone health and increased fracture risk.

Quitting smoking is an important step for overall health and bone health.

7. Excessive Alcohol

Heavy alcohol consumption can negatively affect bone health and may increase fall risk.

Moderation is an important part of a comprehensive prevention strategy.

8. Certain Medications

Long-term corticosteroid use is an important example.

Medications can affect bone directly or indirectly, and some can increase fall risk.

Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with your clinician.

9. Certain Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can affect bone metabolism or increase fracture risk.

These include certain endocrine, gastrointestinal, inflammatory, kidney, and other chronic conditions.

10. Physical Inactivity

Bones respond to mechanical loading.

Resistance exercise and weight-bearing activity can help maintain bone and muscle strength.

Physical inactivity can also contribute to weakness and poor balance.

Risk Factors Can Add Up

The most important point is that osteoporosis risk is rarely about one factor.

Consider two people with identical DEXA scores.

One may have no previous fractures, no significant medical risk factors, and no medications affecting bone.

The other may have a previous fracture, family history, low body weight, and long-term steroid use.

Their overall fracture risk may be very different.

That is why bone health should be evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can osteoporosis run in families?

Yes. Family history can increase risk.

Can men have osteoporosis risk factors?

Absolutely. Men can develop osteoporosis and may have risk factors such as age, previous fracture, steroid use, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle factors.

If I have risk factors, should I seek a bone health evaluation?

Yes.

Once you understand your risk factors, the logical next question is: Do you need to be tested?

Schedule an Osteoporosis & Bone Health Consultation

Don’t wait for a fracture to discover that your bones need attention.

Schedule an appointment with Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists Bone Health Clinic today!