postmenopausal or of an advanced age
Caucasian or Asian race, but African American and Hispanic women are also at significant risk for developing the disease
abnormal absence of menstrual periods or having an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia that can cause menstrual periods to stop before menopause, and loss of bone tissue from too much exercise
low testosterone levels in men
a diet low in dairy products or other sources of calcium and vitamin D
inactive lifestyle
long-term use of glucocorticoids (medicines prescribed for many diseases, including arthritis, asthma, and lupus) anti-seizure medications; gonadotropin releasing hormone for treatment of endometriosis; aluminum-containing antacids; certain cancer treatments; and excessive thyroid hormone
cigarette smoking and drinking too much alcohol
How can I find out if I have weak bones?
There are tests you can get to find out your
bone strength, also called
bone density. One test is a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). A DEXA takes x-rays of your bones. There are also other types of bone strength tests too. Talk with your doctor or nurse about which type of test is best for you. If you are age 65 and older, you should get a bone density test. If you are between ages 60 and 64, weigh less than 154 pounds, and don’t take estrogen, get a bone density test. Don’t wait until age 65. You have a higher chance for breaks.
