Are You at Risk of Osteoporosis?

Are you at risk for developing osteoporosis? The National Osteoporosis Foundation lists these risk factors:

* Age. The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis as your bones become weaker and less dense.
* Gender. Men can develop osteoporosis, but the condition is more prevalent in women. Women lose bone more rapidly than men because of hormonal changes related to menopause.
* Family/Personal History. If your mother has a history of vertebral fractures, you may be more susceptible to osteoporosis as well. If you have suffered a fracture yourself as an adult, your risk is also greater for future fractures.
* Race. White and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than African-American and Hispanic women (although they, too, are at risk).
* Bone Structure and Body Weight. If you're small-boned and thin (under 127 pounds) you're at greater risk.
* Menopause/Menstrual History. Normal or early menopause (brought about naturally or surgically) increases your chances of developing osteoporosis. Women who stop menstruating before menopause because of conditions such as anorexia or bulimia, or because of excessive physical exercise, may also lose bone tissue and develop osteoporosis.
* Lifestyle. Cigarette smoking, drinking too much alcohol, consuming an inadequate amount of calcium, or getting little or no weight-bearing exercise increases your chances of developing osteoporosis.
* Medications/Chronic Diseases. Medications used to treat chronic medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, endocrine disorders (such as an underactive thyroid), seizure disorders, and gastrointestinal diseases may have side effects that can damage bone and lead to osteoporosis.