Timeless Women

There are many factors which determine whether a woman is at risk of osteoporosis. While some cannot be changed, there are other risks which can be minimized by lifestyle choices. The factors that can put people at risk of osteoporosis and fractures include:

Genes – Our bone health is largely dependent on the genes we inherit from our parents. In fact, if one of your parents has broken a hip or has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may be more susceptible to developing osteoporosis and fragile bones. At the level of population groups, people of Sub-Saharan African descent are at a lower risk because they generally have bigger and stronger bones. Those of Caucasian / European or East-Asian descent are at a greater risk of osteoporosis.

Age – Bone loss increases in later life so by the age of 75 about half of the population will have osteoporosis. As we get older bones become more fragile and more likely to break.

Gender – Fractures from osteoporosis are about twice as common in women as they are in men. Women tend to have a lower bone mass and often live longer than men. Women also experience the menopause which accelerates the process of bone turnover. The female hormone estrogen has a protective effect on bones. At the menopause (normally around the age of 50) the ovaries almost stop producing this hormone reducing the protection it gives to bones.

Low body weight – If you have a very low Body Mass Index (BMI) you are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Women with anorexia nervosa or bulimia are at higher risk of low bone density in their lower back and hips.

Previous fractures – If you have already broken bones easily, including the spine, then you are more likely to have fractures in the future.

Some medical conditions increase your risk of osteoporosis:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Low levels of the sex hormone estrogen in women as a result of early menopause, having a hysterectomy with removal of ovaries (before the age of 45), anorexia nervosa or Turner’s syndrome. Excessive exercise can also reduce hormone levels
• Low levels of the sex hormone, testosterone, in men following surgery for some cancers. Some rare conditions that men are born with such as Klinefelter’s disease or Kallman’s syndrome also lower testosterone levels
• Hyperthyroidism when levels of thyroid hormone are abnormally high
• Parathyroid disease when levels of parathyroid hormone are abnormally high
• Conditions that affect the absorption of food such as Crohn’s or Celiac Disease
• Conditions that cause long periods of immobility

Individuals suffering from other chronic conditions may be at increased risk of osteoporosis such as people living with diabetes or with HIV infection. People who have had an organ transplant or who have experienced respiratory diseases may also be at increased risk.

Take the Interactive IOF One-Minute Osteoporosis Risk Test: 19 easy questions to help you understand the status of your bone health.

If you are worried about osteoporosis, speak to your doctor. Use the Doctor Conversation Tips to assist you.

Some medicines increase your risk of osteoporosis:

• Taking glucocorticoid therapy (commonly known as steroids) for over three months
• Anti-epileptic treatments
• Breast cancer treatments such as aromatase inhibitors
• Prostate cancer treatments that affect either the production of the male hormone testosterone or the way it works in the body

Other risk factors which can be influenced by lifestyle include:

Tobacco use – Smoking has been linked to weak bones, although the exact role smoking plays in osteoporosis is not clearly understood.

Low calcium intake – A lifelong lack of calcium plays a major role in the development of osteoporosis. Low calcium levels can lead to decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and ultimately osteoporosis. Maximum bone density is reached at a young age, and there is good evidence that a poor diet in childhood can lead to higher risk of osteoporosis in adulthood. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate daily allowance of calcium for you.

Sedentary lifestyle – Bones are a living tissue, which means they need exercise! Any weight-bearing exercise is beneficial and you can maintain or help to increase your bone density at any age. See How to Prevent and Manage Osteoporosis for information on appropriate exercise.

Alcohol – Excess consumption of alcohol reduces bone formation and interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. In addition, alcohol impairs judgment, making falls more likely. Alcohol intake should not exceed 2 – 3 units daily (a pint of beer or glass of wine).

Take the Interactive IOF One-Minute Osteoporosis Risk Test: 19 easy questions to help you understand the status of your bone health.

If you think you have risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures then you can discuss this further with your Doctor. Use the Doctor Conversation Tips to assist you when discussing osteoporosis with your Doctor.