| |
Common Causes of Osteoporosis |
| |
Lack of calcium and vitamin D
Not enough weight-bearing exercise
Menopause
|
|
|
Risk Factors
Risk factors include:
- Low bone mass.
- Being female.
- Being thin or having a small frame.
- Older than 50 years.
- A family history.
- A loss of estrogen often after menopause, especially when it's early. Women can lose as much as 20 percent of bone mass in the five to seven years after menopause.
- Infrequent menstrual periods or none.
- Not getting enough calcium throughout life. Bone building starts as soon as you are born. Bones grow the fastest in the teen years and continue building density until your 30s.
- Not enough vitamin D.
- Medications such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants.
- Lack of weight-bearing exercise such as walking and running.
- Smoking.
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Being Caucasian or Asian, although African-Americans and Hispanics are also at risk.
More on Osteoporosis Prevention of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
Keeping Healthy Habits During Menopause and Beyond
Osteoporosis Challenge
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
A Vitamin for Your Bones
In the Encyclopedia: Seniors' health
Bone disorder drugs
Bone density test
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
|
|
|
