Osteoporosis Risk Factors

The National Osteoporosis Foundation has established the following criteria as possible "risk factors" of developing osteoporosis:

Personal history of fracture after age 50
Current low bone mass
History of fracture in a first-degree relative
Being female
Being thin and/or having a small frame
Advanced age
A family history of osteoporosis
Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially early or surgically induced
Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
Anorexia nervosa
Low lifetime calcium intake
Vitamin D deficiency
Use of certain medications (corticosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants and others)
Presence of certain chronic medical conditions
Low testosterone levels in men
An inactive lifestyle
Current cigarette smoking
Excessive use of alcohol
Being Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well

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