Osteoporosis is a chronic debilitating condition which affects the bone mass density of both men and women. Although postmenopausal women appear to have more risk, both men and women have risk factors that can result in bone loss. Some of these risk factors are avoidable and some are unavoidable. Below are 10 risk factors that can make a difference in an individual\’s health and their likelihood of developing osteoporosis as they age.
1. Although osteoporosis can affect men and women, gender is a risk factor. As many as twice as many women will develop osteoporosis than men. Women start out with a lower bone mass density, tend to live longer lives and lose the protection that estrogen gives their bones after menopause. (1)
2. Measured bone mass density in the peak years between 15 and 30 years of age is a risk factor. Men who are thinner or who have smaller body frames tend to have higher risk of developing osteoporosis because their peak bone mass density is lower. Bone mass begins declining in everyone around the age of 35 years. If an individual starts with a higher number they can prevent or delay the onset of osteoporosis. Individuals younger than 30 can increase their peak bone mass density through weightlifting, weight-bearing exercises and appropriate nutrition.
3. Race: Individuals are at greater risk if they are Caucasian or southeastern Asian. Black and Hispanic populations have a lower risk of osteoporosis, but it is still significant in these race groups.
4. Genetics: The risk of osteoporosis does run in families. Having a parent or sibling will put an individual at greater risk and, if the family has a history of fractures, their risk is even greater.
5. Nutrition: Women and men who have nutritional deficits from eating disorders or poor nutritional habits in their early years are at higher risk of lower bone mass density in their back and hips. It is important to increase bone mass density during younger years when the body consistently lays down more bone. After the age of 30, the body loses more bone than it produces.
6. Medications: The use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone (dexamethasone) and Cortizone is damaging to the bone. Steroids, taken over long periods, can increase the amount of bone thinning that an individual will experience. The physician will monitor bone density and recommend other drugs to help prevent further bone loss. Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of other illnesses and diseases to help decrease the inflammatory response in the body, such as in arthritis, asthma or lupus. (2)
7. Tobacco: Researchers and scientists have recognized that cigarette smoking and tobacco puts the user at a greater risk for osteoporosis than those who do not smoke for more than 20 years. The exact mechanism isn\’t fully understood but tobacco is believed to increase the amount of bone thinning which occurs. (3)
8. Individuals who require diuretics for medications are also at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis. The diuretics can cause the kidney to excrete more calcium which depletes the ability of the body to build bone. If an individual is using a diuretic that excretes calcium they should speak with their primary care physician about using another type of diuretic, calcium sparing, to treat the fluid buildup for other medical conditions.
9. Immobility related to any other disease state such as the stroke, paralysis or even poor exercise habits, are a risk for osteoporosis. Individuals who have suffered a stroke or are paralyzed are often advised to use a standing table for 30 minutes three times a week to place enough stress on the bones to delay the onset or progression of osteoporosis.
10. Researchers have found a link between the use of caffeinated drinks and osteoporosis. Although the reasoning is not clear it may be because of the calcium absorption or diuretic effects of the caffeine as well as the phosphoric acid that contributes to bone loss. (4,5)
The causes and risk factors of osteoporosis begin in childhood. When an individual should experience good nutrition, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 and magnesium appropriate for growth. As the bones begin thinning, around the age of 35, those who start with a higher bone mass density will be able to delay or even prevent the development of osteoporosis as they grow older. However, although peak bone mass density values are a measurement of prevention, avoiding other osteoporosis risk factors will also help to prevent be diagnosis and subsequent risk of bone fractures.
http://health.net.au/health-living/ Osteoporosis
http://health.net.au/health-living/ Osteoporosis
(3) NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases: Smoking and Bone Health
http://health.net.au/ Caffeine and Bone Loss in Healthy Postmenopausal Women
http://health.net.au/health-living/ Is Caffeine Consumption a Risk Factor for Osteoporosis?