Risk factors for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose strength and are more likely to break, primarily affecting older individuals. The term "osteoporosis" refers to the porous nature of bones, which have a thick outer shell and a strong inner structure.

Risk factors

Risk factors such as

• Age - As we age, bones become less dense, leading to increased bone loss, particularly in women after menopause. Osteoporosis affects half of us by 75, with broken bones more common in our 70s and 80s.
• Gender - Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis and broken bones due to smaller bones and faster bone loss after menopause due to decreased oestrogen hormone levels
• Genes - Genes from parents can influence bone health, increasing fracture risk. However, specific tests aren't available to assess how these genes might impact bone health
• History of previous fall, can increase the risk of osteoporosis
• Other medical conditions like:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Low levels of the sex hormone oestrogen in women (anorexia nervosa, early hysterectomy with removal of ovaries, Turner’s syndrome, or excessive exercise)
  • Low levels of the sex hormone testosterone in men. This could be due to surgery for some cancers. Some rare conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome and Kallmann syndrome
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Parathyroid disease
  • Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease
  • Conditions that cause poor mobility, such as a stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

How to assess bone Health

To assess bone health,

• Bone density scan (DEXA) and fracture risk assessment
• Identifying risk factors is crucial as there are positive actions to reduce the risk of osteoporosis or breaking bones in the future, such as taking safe, effective drug treatments and making lifestyle changes to support bone health.