2. Osteoporosis risk factors. What is Osteoporosis? There are many ways to ramp up your intake of antioxidants, and adding some antioxidant drinks to your diet is one of them. Making healthy lifestyle choices—like eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and exercising regularly—help keep bones strong. Osteoporosis risk factors The following factors can increase a person's risk of developing osteoporosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic . It is also possible for both events to occur. Mos… Being a female athlete, if you have infrequent menstrual cycles due to low body fat. This article lists 14 of the foods highest in potassium. Excessive dieting or having an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa. Low body weight/being small and thin. Fracture risk increases progressively with decreasing BMD, but BMD is poorly sensitive at predicting fracture risk when used without considering other risk factors. Osteoporosis risk factors were quantified using the Osteoporosis Self Assessment Tool (OST) described 15 and validated by Richy et al 16 to calculate risk for osteoporosis. A lack of foods that contain these nutrients can negatively affect bone density and lead to poorer health in general. Smoking can be especially problematic when it occurs along with low weight, low physical activity, and poor diet. Age : Bones typically become thinner and weaker with age . Smaller, thinner people have less bone mass to … Risk factors can be divided into controllable and uncontrollable factors. It is important to note if anyone in your family (particularly parents or siblings) has ever been diagnosed with osteoporosis, broken a bone from a minor fall or rapidly lost height. These risk factors include: Being female. Risk factors for osteoporotic fracture can be split between nonmodifiable and (potentially) modifiable. The bones that make up your spine (vertebrae) can weaken to the point of crumpling, which can result in back pain, lost height and a hunched forward posture. Osteoporosis risk factors explain its presentation in certain population groups. Hormonal factors are associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis in women compared to men. A diet without enough calcium and vitamin D can contribute to weak bones. Being over age 50. Among these, the more common diseases and disorders are: Rheumatoid arthritis (note: this is a major and common risk factor!) When it comes to negative effects on bone health, chronic alcoholism is associated with: Certain medications and medical conditions can put you at risk for developing osteoporosis. Medication use is theoretically modifiable, although in many cases, the use of medication that increases osteoporosis risk may be unavoidable. They can help you take steps to keep your entire body as healthy as possible. Women's lighter, thinner bones and longer life spans are part of the reason they have a higher risk. 1 in 3 women and up to 1 in 4 men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. (Having a mother with an … Osteoporosis can be a limiting disease, but it is partly preventable. Controllable Risk Factors. As a result a bone loss of approximately 2% per year occurs for several years after menopause. Certain conditions and medications can impact on your bone health. Examples of high-impact exercises include: Your bones don’t become as strong if you’re inactive. People should discuss risk factors with their doctor, and anyone over 50 with risk factors may require a bone density scan. Some people are more susceptible to osteoporosis than others. Preventing Osteoporosis. This is a risk factor that can be managed. Getting too much protein, sodium and caffeine. The same benefits can usually be achieved through other means, such as diet or exercise. Read more on these complications and how to avoid them. A risk factor is defined as a variable that is linked to an increased probability of developing a disease or adverse outcome. When oestrogen levels decrease, bones lose … Most modifiable risk factors directly impact bone biology and result in a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), but some of them also increase the risk of fracture independently of their effect on bone itself. Recall that advanced age and being female increase the likelihood for developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a result of imbalances between new bone formation and old bone resorption. We've rounded up a few of the best nipple creams on the market to help soothe and heal the skin around your nipples during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These include Kanis, J.A., et al., Alcohol intake as a risk factor for … The main characteristic of this condition is the decrease in bone mass density and increased skeletal fragility that leads to an increased risk … Potassium is a mineral that's involved in muscle contractions, heart function and water balance. Family history of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can be a debilitating condition. Find your major risk factors from this list: 1. Some people are more susceptible to osteoporosis than others. Just keep sodium content in mind. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol excessively can increase your risk for osteoporosis. Only 3% of Americans get enough of the essential mineral potassium. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. There are two types of risk… Other risk factors for osteoporosis may include: Being of European and Asian ancestry, the people most likely to have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is seen more frequently in women than men. The risk of getting an osteoporotic fracture depends on the person's risk of falls, their bone strength (determined by bone mineral density [BMD]), and other risk factors. These can include long-term oral or injected corticosteroids, such as prednisone and cortisone. For example, a number of the risk factors for osteoporosis are in the control of the individual, such as weight, while other risk factors cannot be controlled, such as family history of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Prevention Basics A healthy diet and certain types of exercise, among other things, can help to cut your osteoporosis risk. Some diseases may weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Bone health can be strongly inherited so consider your family history of osteoporosis. A low intake of calcium contributes to bone density depletion, an increased risk of fractures and early bone loss. With osteoporosis, the body may fail to form new bone or too much of the old bone is absorbed. Having an inactive lifestyle. Here’s what adults should know about osteoporosis, including risk factors, screening, and treatment. Osteoporosis is more likely to affect people with the below factors or conditions: 1. LinkedIn, Osteoporosis Australia Medical & Scientific Advisory Committee, Low calcium intake - adults require 1,000 mg per day (preferably through diet) which increases to 1,300 mg per day for women over 50 and men over 70, Low vitamin D levels - a lack of sun exposure can mean you are not getting enough vitamin D which your body needs to absorb calcium, Corticosteroids - commonly used for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, Low hormone levels - in women: early menopause; in men: low testosterone, Thyroid conditions - over active thyroid or parathyroid, Conditions leading to malabsorption eg: coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Some chronic diseases eg: rheumatoid arthritis, chronic liver or kidney disease, Some medicines for breast cancer, prostate cancer, epilepsy and some antidepressants, Weight - thin body build or excessive weight (recent studies suggest that hormones associated with obesity may impact bones). Osteoporosis Australia Office:(02) 9518 8140 Uncontrollable Risk Factors. Osteoporosis Risk Factors. To diagnose osteoporosis, doctors will perform physical exams, ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, and test your bone mineral…. People also use supplements to meet their vitamin D requirements but should be careful that they aren’t getting too much because many other supplements contain this vitamin. Facebook For more tips on preventing osteoporosis and managing your risk factors, talk to your doctor. A vitamin D deficiency may resul… Dairy products are high in calcium, and some nondairy products have added calcium. Low body mass and anorexia nervosa. Here are 10 of the best…. Men also lose bone as they age, however testosterone levels in men decline more gradually so their bone mass remains adequate till later in life. Find out how to stop smoking naturally with Eastern approaches, such as acupuncture. Risk increases as people age. This condition makes bones become very weak and puts you at risk of breaking bones during normal activity. Your skin also makes vitamin D from sunlight. There are characteristics you can’t control that can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. (Low body mass is defined as <19 kg/m 2 by NOGG and as <18.5 kg/m 2 by NICE.) Osteoporosis can lead to other issues and conditions. There are many people living with osteoporosis who are at a high risk for bone fracture but have not yet been diagnosed. If your first period was after age 15 Late production of sex hormones, can affect bone. Whether a person develops osteoporosis depends on the thickness of the bones (bone density) in early life, as well as health, diet, and physical activity later in life. But because of the skin cancer risk, getting vitamin D from other sources is recommended. The most important years for accumulating bone mass are from pre-adolescence to the age of 30. You can also get calcium from supplements. However, experts recommend getting as much calcium as possible from food first. Menopause. If you have a chronic disease or condition, ask your doctor about how it might affect your bone health. The risk factors for osteoporosis explain its presence in certain population groups.Furthermore, it’s a common disease that can affect both men and women. Heredity. Risk factors can be divided into controllable and uncontrollable factors. Women going through menopause have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. These risk factors include: These cannot be changed, but being aware of them can help you and your doctor keep a closer eye on your bone health. Family history. If you’re taking any medications or supplements, talk with your doctor about the side effects and risks of the drugs. Women are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis because of the rapid decline in oestrogen levels during menopause. The OST is a calculated risk index based on self reported age and weight (weight in kilograms - age in years) × 0.2, truncated to an integer. Learn how to slow it down and fortify your body against it. Estrogen is vital for healthy bones … These factors present risks that should signal doctors and individuals to focus more attention on bone health, especially when the risk factors exist in combination. Both men and women may have certain ‘risk factors’ that can make them more likely to develop osteoporosis. Doctors have identified several risk factors for osteoporosis. Some of these can be addressed and changed while others can’t. Men can get osteoporosis, too -- it’s just less common. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, 14 Healthy Foods That Are High in Potassium, How to Quit Smoking Naturally — from an Eastern Perspective, 10 Best Antioxidant Drinks, Plus How They Benefit Your Health, The Best Nipple Creams for Breastfeeding Mamas, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, muscle strengthening exercises like lifting weights, issues with metabolism that also reduce bone health. Being inactive or bedridden for long periods of time. Factors that will increase the risk of developing osteoporosis are: Female gender, Caucasian or Asian race, thin and small body frames, and a family history of osteoporosis. Female sex. Surgical menopause, an ovary/ovaries removed or hysterectomy Too much alcohol can cause bone loss and contribute to broken bones, but low levels of alcohol may be beneficial. As you can see, many of the risk factors for osteoporosis may actually be in your control. Body frame. Usually the loss of bone takes many years before osteoporosis develops. Osteoporosis is a serious metabolic bone disorder that results in fractures of the wrist, hip and vertebrae. Toll Free:1800 242 141, Connect with OA If you have a disorder of the hormone-producing glands, you may have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. When you have osteoporosis, especially in advanced cases, even a sneeze can break bones. Osteoporosis can happen in both women and men. Low intake of calcium– When levels of calcium have been lacking for most of one’s life, osteoporosis may occur. People should discuss risk factors with their doctor, and anyone over 50 with risk factors may require a bone density scan. Age. There are risk factors for osteoporosis that you can control. An early menopause (under 45 years) Levels of oestrogen drop which can affect bone. Also, knowing your individual risk factors can suggest some changes you could make to improve your future bone density. Parental history of hip fracture. The good news is, the effects of smoking on bone health seem to be reversible, which means if you smoke, quitting can help. All rights reserved. Certain antiseizure and cancer medications have also been associated with osteoporosis. People who don’t have osteoporosis are unlikely to break bones in those situations. One drink a day for women and two for men has been tenuously linked to better bone density. Some of these factors include: Lifestyle Being older than 65 years Having broken a bone after the age of 50 A close relative having broken a bone or having osteoporosis Poor or fair health Smoking Being underweight for a specific height Menopause before the age of […] Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. When oestrogen levels decrease, bones lose calcium and other minerals at a much faster rate. Being female. Additional Risk Factors for Women. Last medically reviewed on August 15, 2019. People with anorexia nervosa may develop osteoporosis because of their severely restricted diet and lack of nutrient intake. Broken bones or height loss. High-impact exercises can help build and maintain bone mass. Risk factors [4, 5, 6] Clinical risk factors which are used to assess the risk of fracture are: Increasing age (risk increased partly independent of reducing BMD). Nutritional/gastrointestinal problems (lactose … Various factors contribute to the risk of developing osteoporosis. Read on to learn more. By knowing what factors increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, you can take steps to reduce your risk and take an active role in building bone health. While it’s not possible to predict whether or not you’ll develop osteoporosis, there are some characteristics and behaviors that increase the risk. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Factors that increase the risk for osteoporosis in both men and women include: For example, a number of the risk factors for osteoporosis are in the control of the individual, such as weight, while other risk factors cannot be controlled, such as family history of osteoporosis. Vitamin D is naturally available in fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, and is added to milk, soymilk, and some cereals. These fractures frequently occur with little or no trauma. Bumping into something or a minor fall could cause fractures. Twitter When barbecue season rolls around, pickles can be fair game for babies. Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Not eating enough fruits and vegetables. Hormone and autoimmune disorders can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis mostly affects women. An inactive lifestyle can increase your risk for osteoporosis. Some are modifiable, but it is not possible to avoid others. Risk factors affecting bone strength that: Reduce BMD include: … In the United States, nearly 53 million people either have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing it, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Changes in hormones caused by smoking might alter the activity and function of bone cells as well. Caffeine is not a risk factor for osteoporosis. Learn seven common myths about osteoporosis and bone health, dispelled by bone health expert Dr. Deborah Sellmeyer. Many hormones in the body affect bone turnover. What are the risk factors for men? Both men and women may have certain ‘risk factors’ that can make them more likely to develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, known as the “silent thief,” can cause bones to deteriorate over a number of years without any signs or symptoms, until a bone breaks. When you know your osteopenia and osteoporosis risk factors, you will understand why you developed the condition. 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