Cause and
Factors of Osteoporosis Risk
Osteoporosis means ‘porous bone’. In this disease the bones lose density and the bone gets thinner. Osteopenia means the bone density is low but not low enough to be called osteoporosis. In osteoporosis the bone density is reduced by 25-30 per cent whereas in osteopeonia, the loss is in the range of 10-15 per cent.
Causes
Osteoporosis can occur due to a variety of causes. The most common type of osteoporosis occurs when women reach menopause and their oestrogen levels drop. This causes the bone mass to decrease and the bones become thinner.
Risk Assessment
1. Have you attained menopause? (Menstrual periods have not occurred
for at least one year.)
2. Was the menopause early, i.e. before the age of 51?
3. Is the body frame small and thin?
4. Was there any fracture recently?
5. Does anyone in the family have osteoporosis?
6. Is the diet low in calcium?
7. Is there lack of regular exercise?
8. Do you smoke or did you smoke in the past?
9. Is the consumption of alcohol more than 2-3 ounces per day?
10. Is the consumption of caffeinated drinks ( coffee, cola drinks)
11. Is there any intake of medicines for thyroid problem or convulsions?
12. Is there any intake of steroids?
The more times you answer ‘yes’, the greater is the risk for getting osteoporosis.
