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Osteoporosis Community

NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION

Bone Health Issues During Pregnancy and Breastfeed...

During pregnancy, it's important for a woman to get enough calcium for herself...

Posted by Adi Cohen, MD, MHS

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Bone Health Issues During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding During pregnancy, it's important for a woman to get enough calcium for herself...

NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION

Reply: Are You at Risk?

There are some reasons (called risk factors) that increase your likelihood of...

Posted by Adi Cohen, MD, MHS

8 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Are You at Risk? There are some reasons (called risk factors) that increase your likelihood of...

NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION

Reply: Are You at Risk?

In December 2006, a study was featured in the Journal of the American Medical...

Posted by Adi Cohen, MD, MHS

8 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Are You at Risk? In December 2006, a study was featured in the Journal of the American Medical...

NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION

Are You at Risk?

Welcome to our new osteoporosis discussion forum. Each week, NOF will feature a...

Posted by Adi Cohen, MD, MHS

Welcome to our new osteoporosis discussion forum. Each week, NOF will feature a different healthcare professional who will share information about osteoporosis and bone health with you. While I focus my practice on osteoporosis in premenopausal women, I would like to begin with a discussion about why some people are more likely to get the disease than others. Below I have listed some common risk factors for osteoporosis with a brief explanation about each risk factor.

Age. Osteoporosis can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older people than younger people.

Gender. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men. Eighty percent of people with osteoporosis are women. Twenty percent are men.

Family history. If one of your parents had osteoporosis or broke a bone as an adult, you are more likely to get osteoporosis.

Being small and thin. People who are thin or have small bones are more likely to get osteoporosis.

Low estrogen levels. Estrogen levels drop when a woman goes through menopause or has her ovaries removed. Teen girls and young women who often miss their periods usually have low estrogen levels.

Low testosterone levels. Low levels of testosterone in men can lead to osteoporosis.

Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Getting enough calcium helps build strong bones when you are younger and helps keeps them strong later in life. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium.

Lack of exercise. Your bones get strong when you make them work. Two types of exercises that help keep your bones healthy are weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.

Medicines. Some medicines can cause bone loss and osteoporosis. One type that is a major concern for bones is steroid medicines. Ask your healthcare provider if any medicines you take can affect your bones. Do not stop any treatment or change the dose of your medicine unless your healthcare provider says it’s safe to do so. For a list of medicines that can cause bone loss, visit www.nof.org/prevention/risk.htm .

Diseases and conditions. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any diseases or conditions that can cause bone loss and osteoporosis. Sometimes, treating a health problem that causes bone loss can improve your bone health. For a list of disease and conditions that can cause bone loss, visit www.nof.org/prevention/risk.htm .View Thread

Posted byAdi Cohen, MD, MHS

8 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Are You at Risk? Welcome to our new osteoporosis discussion forum. Each week, NOF will feature a...

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