Risk factors
Knowing your risks can help you proactively manage your bone health.
It is important to note that the more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of developing osteoporosis and/or fractures. If you are over 50 and have at least one major risk factor or two or more minor risk factors, Osteoporosis Canada recommends that you talk to your physician about being tested for osteoporosis.
Although there are many risk factors beyond your control, there are several that are related to lifestyle. These are ones that you can change to improve your bone health and lower your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Major risk factors
Although important in helping diagnose osteoporosis, having a bone mineral density test is not the only thing that should be considered. It is also important that you and your doctor determine your risk factors. This information has become increasingly important to physicians. Your physician can use your BMD, in conjunction with your risk factor information, to determine the likelihood that you will experience a bone break, as a result of your osteoporosis, over the next 10 years. You should make sure to see your doctor to determine what your risk is and discuss your treatment options.
Major risk factors for the development of osteoporosis include:
- Age 65 or older
- Fracture of a bone in your spine known as a vertebra
- Fracture caused by an injury, such as falling from a standing height, that would be insufficient to break normal bone after age 40
- Family history of osteoporotic fracture (especially if your mother had a hip fracture)
- Long-term (for greater than 3 months continuously) use of a steroid such as prednisone
- Medical conditions (such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease) that inhibit absorption of nutrients
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Tendency to fall
- Osteopenia (low bone mass) apparent on x-ray
- Hypogonadism (low testosterone in men, low estrogen in women)
- Early menopause (before 45 years of age)
Minor risk factors
Minor risk factors for the development of osteoporosis include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Prolonged use of anticonvulsants
- Low calcium intake
- Prolonged heparin use
- Body weight less than 57 kg (125 lb.)
- If your present weight is more than 10% below your weight at age 25
- Excess caffeine (consistently more than 4 cups a day of coffee, cola or some energy drinks)
- Excess alcohol (consistently more than 2 drinks a day)
- Smoker
Key risk factors for fracture
There are several key risk factors for fracturing that you should be aware of and they include:
- Low BMD
- Prior fragility fracture
- Long-term (more than 3 months continuously) use of a steroid such as prednisone
- The risk of fracture increases with age
- Family history of osteoporotic fracture
