Osteoporosis: are you at risk?
One in 2 females and one in 3 males over the age of 60 will be likely to have a fracture due to osteoporosis.
It is more common in women because in the 5 to 10 years following menopause there is a sharp decline of the female hormone oestrogen, which plays a central role in maintaining bone mass balance. This decrease in the production of oestrogen accelerates calcium loss.
Testosterone, the male hormone, has a similar effect on bone health in men. While the levels of this hormone also decline with ageing it is a less sudden decline and the subsequent accelerated bone loss is less severe.
Are you at risk?
- Have you had a fracture of any bone with relatively minor trauma?
- Do you have a family history of osteoporosis?
- Are you over 60 years of age?
- Are you a postmenopausal woman who is not taking hormone replacement therapy?
- Are you a man who suffers from a lack of testosterone?
- Are you a person who does not do regular weight-bearing exercise?
- Are you a person who does not eat dairy or other high calcium foods or take any calcium supplement?
- Do you take regular medication? Some medications can predispose towards osteoporosis, such as treatment with steroids (e.g. for asthma or rheumatoid arthritis); long term anticonvulsant therapy (e.g. for epilepsy); or prolonged use of Depo Provera.
- Do you smoke?
- Do you drink alcohol too much? Excessive intake — regularly more than 4 (for men) or 2 (for women) drinks per day — weakens bones.
- Do you have a thyroid, liver, kidney or bowel disorder?
If you have any of these risk factors it is recommended you check with your GP at your next visit to assess your risk more accurately.
Last Reviewed: 29 November 2001
