Osteoporosis: Risk Factors
- Previous fracture.
- Premature (before age of 40) or early (before age of 45) menopause.
- Tablet form of steroid therapy taken for more than 3 months or courses of high dose steroids.
- Family history of osteoporosis.
- Excessive alcohol intake - more than 14 units per week for women and more than 21 units per week for men. (1 unit = 1 small glass of wine, 1 measure of spirit or ½ pint of beer or lager).
- Poor intake of Calcium and Vitamin D.
- Lack of weight bearing exercise.
- Episodes of more than 6 months amenorrhoea (lack of periods) before the menopause..
- Low Body Mass Index (less than 21).
- Medical conditions which may affect the absorption of food including: ulcerative colitis, crohns disease, coeliac disease, gastric surgery and liver disease.
- Other medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism (overactive thyroid, parathyroid glands)
General factors which therefore can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis include reducing or stopping smoking and alcohol intake, taking regular weight bearing exercise, and taking a diet adequate in Calcium and Vitamin D.
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