Osteoporosis Risk Factors

• inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake
• family history
• never having given birth
• smoking
• alcohol intake of more than 2 drinks per day
• early or surgical menopause without hormone
• replacement therapy
• small or thin frame
• caucasian
• sedentary lifestyle
• history of treatment with steroids, antacids with aluminum, anticonvulsant, or thyroid hormone replacement medications.

   If you suspect that you're at risk for osteoporosis by the list shown here, talk to your doctor about your risk factors and consider a bone densitometry procedure to evaluate your bone density. Increasing your calcium intake and ensuring a sufficient intake of critical vitamins and minerals each day can help to decrease your risk.