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Who Is at Risk for Osteoporosis?
Knowing your risks as a woman can help you protect against fractures.
If you're over 50 or past menopause, taking care of your bone health is vitally important.
Osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of aging, but women past menopause are at the highest risk for developing it.
According to the 2004 Report of the Surgeon General on Bone Health and Osteoporosis, "one out of every two women over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime, with risk of fracture increasing with age."
Menopause is partly to blame. In fact, women typically have the most bone loss in the first 5 years after menopause. After menopause, a woman's body produces less estrogen, the female sex hormone that helps keep bones strong.
There are other factors that add to your risk of developing osteoporosis, particularly if you:
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Have a family history of osteoporosis |
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Have a thin or small frame |
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Are Caucasian or Asian |
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Have had broken bones after 50 |
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Use certain medications, such as corticosteroids (for asthma or arthritis, for example) |
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Drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages every day |
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Smoke cigarettes |
 Learn About How Osteoporosis is Detected
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