Osteoporosis Risk Factors
 Nearly 80% of all people suffering from osteoporosis are women, making this condition almost completely unique to a woman's physiology. The main reasons that women are more prone to developing osteoporosis include the smaller bones and hormone fluctuations unique to females, but these are just some of the reasons that women are more likely to develop this painful condition than men.
Some osteoporosis risk factors, such as age, gender, ethnicity, and family medical history cannot be influenced; however, some can be prevented to help lower your risk of developing this condition. These include:
- Hormone levels - hormone therapy to correct fluctuating levels can help lower your risk.
- Eating disorders - women who suffer from eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, are at a much higher risk of developing weak bones.
- Nutrition - your bones need certain nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D, to stay strong. Ensuring you are getting enough of these in your diet can make a huge difference in your likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
- Activity levels - exercising and staying active as you age can help you build and maintain stronger bones and muscles in order to lower your osteoporosis risk factors.
- Lifestyle - studies have shown that people, even men, who smoke and consume heavy amounts of alcohol are more likely to develop osteoporosis than those who do not.
Since so many osteoporosis risk factors can be prevented, it is important to consult with your primary care provider to get the osteoporosis information you need to make a health plan that effectively lowers your risk of developing this or any other preventable condition to the best of your abilities.
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