Am I in the risk group for osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is often referred to as a “silent disease” because it typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, there are certain signs and risk factors associated with osteoporosis that individuals should be aware of.
Risk factors for developing osteoporosis
Don't wait to check until it's too late
Osteoporosis is often not discovered until a bone fracture occurs!
The most common symptom of osteoporosis is bone fractures, which can occur with minimal trauma or even from everyday activities like bending, lifting, or falling from standing height. Common fracture sites include the hip, spine (vertebrae), wrist, and shoulder. If you have sustained a low traumatic fracture, but haven’t received the diagnosis of osteoporosis, please read our blog post on ‘diagnosing osteoporosis’, and seek medical assistance.
What are the biggest risk factors for Osteoporosis?
Risk factors for osteoporosis: Age & gender
The risk of osteoporosis increases with age, especially in women after menopause and in men over the age of 70. Although the risk to sustain a low traumatic fracture increases substantially already after the age of 50: 1/3 women, and 1/5 men over the age of 50 will sustain a low traumatic fracture.
Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men. The hormonal changes during menopause, such as a decrease in Estrogen production, can accelerate bone loss. Men typically do not experience the same rapid loss of bone mass as women do after menopause. Although, by around the age of 70, both men and women start losing bone mass at a similar rate.
Risk factors for osteoporosis: Family history & genetics
Having a family history of osteoporosis or fractures increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors for osteoporosis: Low Bone Mass Density (BMD)
A lower-than-normal BMD, which can be determined through a bone density test, is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.
Risk factors for osteoporosis: Hormonal imbalances
Low levels of Estrogen in women and low levels of testosterone in men can contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
Risk factors for osteoporosis: Nutritional deficiencies & lifestyle choices
Inadequate intake of essential nutrients for bone health, such as calcium and vitamin D can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Certain lifestyle choices can increase the risk, including excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
Risk factors for osteoporosis: Lack of exercise
Insufficient physical activity, whether during childhood, early adulthood, or later in life, is a risk factor for osteoporosis development. Sedentary behavior and inadequate or inappropriate exercise contribute to the increased vulnerability to the condition.
Risk factors for osteoporosis: Medical conditions & medications
Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and hormonal disorders, can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Long-term use of corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) and some other medications can weaken bones and lead to osteoporosis.
Risk factors for osteoporosis: Body structure and low weight
Small body frame, low body weight, and being underweight are associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis.
It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean an individual will develop osteoporosis, and individuals without identifiable risk factors can still be affected. However, understanding these risk factors can help individuals and healthcare professionals assess the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and take appropriate preventive measures.
