Are You At Risk for Osteoporosis?

 

Osteoporosis is a major health problem for many Americans, both men and women. Low bone density is a classic symptom of osteoporosis and is a major contributing factor to fractures.

How do we get osteoporosis?
As people age, they lose bone. Bone loss can be as high as 3-4% per decade after peak bone mass density has been reached. Peak bone mass density occurs between the ages of 20 and 35 in both men and women.

Olser Woman

Bone loss and increased fracture risk occur when there is an inadequate calcium, Vitamin D, and nutritional intake. Vitamin D deficiency can occur from poor sun exposure, decreased cutaneous production, insufficient dietary intake, and decreased absorption.

Women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis because men have a higher peak bone mass density. Men will lose less bone after peak, they have a shorter life expectancy, and have a gradual decrease in hormone production unlike women who have a complete stoppage of hormone production.

Drugs may also cause osteoporosis.
Drugs such as:

  • systemic glucocorticoids
  • excessive thyroid replacement
  • some antiepileptic agents
  • long term heparin use

Take the Risk Factor Assessment

Are you female? YES NO

Does your mother or grandmother suffer from brittle bones? YES NO

Has your mother or grandmother experienced loss of height or developed a stooped posture? YES NO

Do you have a small skeletal frame? YES NO

Has menopause started before the age of 45 or have you had your ovaries removed? YES NO

Have you received long-term treatment with steroids? YES NO

Are you receiving thyroxine? YES NO

Do you exercise infrequently? YES NO

Do you exercise to extremes? YES NO

Do you smoke? YES NO

Do you eat small amounts of dairy products? YES NO

Do you have a high intaske of the following: alcohol, salt, caffeine? YES NO

Have you suffered any eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia? YES NO

Have you had an abnormal lack of menstruation for more than 6 months? YES NO

The more 'yes' responses, the more appropriate it is to have your bone density measured. Speak to your physician about osteoporosis and what you can do to prevent it.

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