No single cause for osteoporosis has been identified. However, certain factors seem to play a role in the development of osteoporosis. We call these factors “risk factors” because each factor influences our risk of developing the disease. Several of these factors have been shown to be stronger predictors of bone loss than others and are therefore considered major risk factors. Other conditions that may also lead to bone loss are considered minor risk factors. OC recommends that all postmenopausal women and men over 50, and all individuals over the age of 65 be assessed for the presence of risk factors for osteoporosis.
Major risk factors
- Age 65 or older
- Vertebral compression fracture
- Fracture with minimal trauma after age 40
- Family history of osteoporotic fracture (especially if your mother had a hip fracture)
- Long-term (more than 3 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone
- Medical conditions (such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease) that inhibit absorption of nutrients
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Tendency to fall
- Osteopenia apparent on x-ray
- Hypogonadism (low testosterone in men, loss of menstrual periods in younger women)
- Early menopause (before age 45).
Minor risk factors
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Prolonged use of anticonvulsants
- Prolonged heparin use
- Body weight less than 57 kg (125 lbs.)
- If your present weight is more than 10% below your weight at age 25
- Low calcium intake
- 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.
Because the main health implication of osteoporosis is the increased possibility of fracture, OC recommends that you also consider your risk factors for fracture.
Key risk factors for fracture
- Low bone mineral density (BMD)
- Prior fragility (low-trauma) fracture
- Long-term (more than 3 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone
- Age – the risk of fracture increases with age
Risk factors are additive, meaning that the more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of developing osteoporosis. If you are over 50 and have at least one of the major risk factors or two or more of the minor risk factors, OC recommends that you talk to your physician about being tested for osteoporosis.
Furthermore, assessing your risk factors can help you identify those that you can change. Some of these factors are a result of heredity; others are lifestyle factors. By making changes in your lifestyle, you are doing something to improve your bone health and lower your risk of developing osteoporosis.
(Source: www.osteoporosis.ca)
