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Home About Osteoporosis Risks

Risks

The longer a person lives, the more likely they are to develop osteoporosis. Some people will develop osteoporosis at an earlier stage in their life.

There are a range of conditions, lifestyle factors, hormonal states and treatments that are associated with an increased risk of developing of osteoporosis.

It is important to know that if any of these associations apply to you, it does not mean that you will go on to develop osteoporosis. It is worthwhile discussing with your doctor whether you need investigations for osteoporosis.

Associations with an increased risk for the development of osteoporosis

Association

Description

Conditions

Eating disorders (Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia)
Rheumatoid arthritis

Primary hyperparathyroidism
Cushing’s disease / Cushing's syndrome
Thyroid disease
- particularly overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or excessive thyroxine (oroxine) replacement
Chronic liver disease
Chronic kidney disease
Malabsorptive illnesses e.g. Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease
Other inflammatory bowel diseases

Lifestyle choices

Smoking
Inactive lifestyle
Excessive caffeine intake (> 5-6 cups per day)
Excessive alcohol intake (alcohol abuse)
Inadequate exercise or immobilisation
Long term low dietary calcium intake

Hormone deficiency states

Late first menstrual period - (after age of 15-16)
Premature menopause (before the age of 45)
Menopause
Testosterone deficiency in males

Treatments

Excessive thyroxine (oroxine) replacement for thyroid disorders
Long term oral corticosteroid use (i.e. oral Prednisolone
    at doses of 5 – 7.5mgs given for more than 2 to 3 months)
Breast cancer treatment
Treatment for various malignancies (cancers)

Other reasons

Failure to achieve adequate peak bone mass (i.e. the highest level of bone strength) in late teens
Vitamin D deficiency
Female athletes, usually with amenorrhoea (no periods) or oligmenorrhea (infrequent periods)
Genetic factors (runs in families) and factors associated with ethnicity
Organ transplant recipients

Others at risk

Housebound or institutionalised elderly

Content updated July 27, 2011

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