What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 20, 2024.
Your risk of osteoporosis depends on a number of uncontrollable factors such as age, gender, and a family history, as well as controllable factors such as health, diet and physical activity:
- Your age – bone density declines at a faster rate over the age of 50
- Your diet – a regular intake of calcium and other minerals is necessary
- How much you exercise and what type of exercise you do - weight-bearing exercises increase bone density
- Sex hormone levels – women after menopause and men with low testosterone are at higher risk
- Sun exposure – sun is needed in small amounts for our skin to make vitamin D
- What other medical conditions you have – people with celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of osteoporosis
- What medicines you take – corticosteroids, antiandrogens, and aromatase inhibitors increase risk
- If you are deficient in any vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D or calcium
- How much you smoke or drink – smoking or a high alcohol intake increases risk
- How much you weigh – people who are underweight generally have lower bone densities
- If you have had any previous fractures.
Read next
How does teriparatide (Forteo) work?
Teriparatide (Forteo), is a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone - a hormone produced naturally by the body which helps maintain blood levels of calcium within a very tight range; which in turn controls calcium levels within bone - determining how strong and dense the bones are. Continue reading
What's the difference between Prolia and Reclast?
Prolia (denosumab) and Reclast (zoledronic acid) are injections that can be used to treat or prevent osteoporosis. But they each work differently because Prolia is a monoclonal antibody (it may also be called a miscellaneous bone resorption agent) and Reclast is a bisphosphonate which means they have different side effects, other uses, tolerability, and effectiveness profiles. Both are prescription medicines. One of the main problems with Prolia is safely stopping it. Continue reading
How do you give a Prolia injection?
Prolia is a prescription medicine injected under the skin (called a subcutaneous injection) and is given once every 6 months. You do not give Prolia to yourself. You will receive your Prolia injection from your healthcare provider at a their office or clinic. Continue reading
See also:
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Rybelsus
Rybelsus tablets are used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and may ...
Evenity
Evenity (romosozumab) injection is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women to reduce the ...
Zepbound
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and obstructive sleep ...
Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and to reduce heart risks ...
Victoza
Victoza helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of serious heart problems in people ...
Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) injection is used for weight loss in obese or overweight patients. Includes ...
Alli
alli blocks the absorption of some of the fat that you eat and is used to treat obesity. Learn ...
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. Learn ...
Amphetamine
Amphetamine is a stimulant and is used to trat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder. Includes ...
Related medical questions
- What medications are available to treat osteoporosis?
- What are the side effects of Vitamin D?
- What's the difference between osteoporosis, osteopenia and osteoarthritis?
- What is the connection between the endocrine system and osteoporosis?
- What are the ICD-10 codes for osteoporosis?
- Are there any natural treatments for osteoporosis?
- How can I prevent osteoporosis?
- What is the best diet or foods to help with osteoporosis?
- Osteoporosis FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
- Is osteoporosis hereditary?
- How does resistance training prevent osteoporosis?
- What exercises are good for osteoporosis?
- What causes osteoporosis?
- How many years should you take Prolia?
- Evenity vs Prolia: Which is right for you?
- Xgeva vs Prolia. How do they compare?
- What happens when you stop Evenity?
- Does Evenity cause dental problems?
- Insights from a Pharmacist about Osteoporosis Treatments
- What is the billing J Code for Evenity?
- Can Tymlos cause bone cancer?
- How does Evenity work?
- How does Evista (raloxifene) work?
- Hot Flashes, Mood Swings... wait... could this be Menopause?
- How do you use Tymlos?
- How does food interact with your medications?
- Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
Related support groups
- Osteoporosis (69 questions, 293 members)