by Melody St. John

Created on: May 03, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakening of bones, increasing their chances of breakage. Although commonly seen in older women, osteoporosis can strike anyone at any age. About half of all women and a quarter of men 50 years and older will sustain a bone fracture as a result of osteoporosis.

Risk Factors

Basically, anyone can develop osteoporosis. However, there are certain factors that can increase your risk for this condition. These factors, which are either modifiable or non-modifiable, can help you gauge your own risk of developing osteoporosis.

Non-modifiable risk factors include:

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Age. The older you are, the higher your risk, as bone mass tends to decrease with age.

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Gender. If you're female, your risk is four times greater, because women naturally have lower bone density. A woman's risk is heightened after menopause too due to decreased estrogen levels.

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Body size. You're also at risk if you're small, slim and thin-boned.

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Race. If you're female and Caucasian (White) or Asian, your risk is also increased. African American and Hispanic women are considerably at risk too. If you're male and Caucasian, your risk is greater than men of other racial origins.

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Family history. Osteoporosis seems to have a genetic background so, if somebody in your family has it; your risk is also increased. Moreover, if your parents have a history of bone fractures, you're likely to have decreased bone mass and a higher risk for fractures.

Risk factors that can be modified include:

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Sex hormone deficiencies. Decreased testosterone and estrogen levels can increase your risk, as these hormones affect bone metabolism.

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Diet. Throughout any age, if you consume low calcium and vitamin D, you're likely to develop osteoporosis.

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Certain health conditions. Aside from sex hormone problems, eating disorders (anorexia nervosa), certain genetic, gastrointestinal, blood, and rheumatic disorders can increase your risk.

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Sedentary lifestyle/prolonged bed rest. Insufficient physical activity and extended periods of inactivity can increase rate of bone loss.

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Medications. Extended use of glucocorticoids, some anticonvulsants and immunosuppressive medications can increase your risk.

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Alcohol abuse. If you drink alcohol excessively, your risk is significantly increased.

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Smoking. Nicotine impairs bone health increasing your risk for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is generally a silent disease. You may be unaware that you have it until you break a bone. Therefore, it's advisable to have your

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