Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Factors that can increase your chances of developing osteoporosis include:

• being female

• a small, thin body frame

• a family history of osteoporosis

• postmenopausal status or advanced age

• Caucasian or Asian race

• abnormal absence of menstrual periods

• anorexia nervosa or bulimia

• low testosterone levels in men

• diet low in dairy products or other sources of calcium and vitamin D

• inactive lifestyle

• long-term use of glucocorticoids (medications prescribed for many diseases, including arthritis, asthma, and lupus) anti-seizure medications; gonadotropin releasing hormone for treatment of endometriosis; aluminum-containing antacids; certain cancer treatments; and excessive thyroid hormone

• cigarette smoking

• excessive use of alcohol and high salt, protein, and caffeine intake.