What is Your Risk?
The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides a comprehensive list of factors to consider in evaluating your risk of osteoporosis. Some of the points apply only to women, but many of the following “red flags” are important for men to consider as well. Talk to your health care professional if any of them apply to you.
- I'm older than 65
- I've broken a bone after age 50
- My close relative has osteoporosis or has broken a bone
- My health is “fair” or “poor”
- I smoke
- I am underweight for my height
- I started menopause before age 45
- I've never gotten enough calcium
- I have more than two drinks of alcohol several times a week
- I have poor vision, even with glasses
- I sometimes fall
- I'm not active
I have one of these medical conditions:
- hyperthyroidism
- chronic lung disease
- cancer
- inflammatory bowel disease
- chronic liver or kidney disease
- hyperparathyroidism
- vitamin D deficiency
- Cushing's disease
- multiple sclerosis
- rheumatoid arthritis
I take one of these medicines:
- oral glucocorticoids (steroids)
- cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)
- thyroid medicine
- antiepileptic medications
- gonadal hormone suppression
- immunosuppressive agents
