3. What causes me to have a higher chance of getting Osteoporosis?

Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and fractures are called "risk factors." These risk factors include:

• Personal history of fracture after age 50
• Current low bone mass (see bone density scanning)
• History of fracture in a 1° relative (mother, father, brother or sister)
• Being female
• Being thin and/or having a small frame
• Advanced age
• A family history of osteoporosis
• Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially early or surgically induced (if your ovaries are removed)
• Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
• Anorexia nervosa
• Low lifetime calcium intake
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Use of certain medications (cortisone, chemotherapy, epilepsy treatment)
• Presence of certain chronic medical conditions
• Low testosterone levels in men
• An inactive lifestyle
• Current cigarette smoking
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Being Caucasian or Asian

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