Osteoporosis is a medical condition that weakens bones, often resulting in unexpected fractures. This disease usually progresses silently, without any evident symptoms or pain, making it difficult to diagnose, until a fracture occurs. Let us take a look at some of the factors that make people susceptible to osteoporosis.
Risk Of Osteoporosis – Age And Gender
Age and gender are key factors affecting the onset and progression of osteoporosis in most people. Women above 50 are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men of the same age. Estrogen is the hormone responsible for preventing excessive bone loss in adult women. The production of estrogen declines steadily in women after menopause. This puts them at a higher risk of rapid bone loss and resultant fractures and falls.
Men are not immune to age-related risks of osteoporosis. Men aged 50 and above are at a higher risk of experiencing osteoporosis-induced fractures than to develop potentially fatal diseases such as prostate cancer. Osteoporosis related hip fracture is common in aged men. The mortality rate of such men is higher than women who have suffered a hip fracture.
Risk Of Osteoporosis – Ethnicity And Heredity
Ethnicity and heredity play an important role in the occurrence of osteoporosis in women. Asian and Caucasian women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis than their Hispanic or African American counterparts. However, the mortality rate of African American women is higher than Caucasian women who have suffered a hip fracture. People with a family history of osteoporosis are more susceptible to suffering from the detrimental effects of this condition when compared to those without hereditary tendencies.
Risk Of Osteoporosis – Body Weight And Bone Structure
The bone structure of petite and lean people is different from that of people with higher body weights and larger frames. Petite people may often have lesser bone weight than others and may become more susceptible to osteoporosis related complications with age.
Risk Of Osteoporosis – Medications And Medical Conditions
Some medications may put patients at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Some such medicines are steroids and medications used for the treatment of breast cancer and seizures. Medical conditions like unregulated hormone levels, overactive thyroid, celiac disease, multiple myeloma and inflammatory bowel disease may make people susceptible to an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition that can progress without evident symptoms. While early detection is the key to effective management of the condition, identifying the risk factors involved with osteoporosis, taking pre-emptive measures and following an effective treatment regime can also be helpful in managing osteoporosis and associated symptoms.
