Women are more Susceptible
Women are at a Higher Risk to Osteoporosis than Men
Who is as risk?
Women over the age of 45 or 50 are considered at higher risk for developing Type I osteoporosis. Key risks include:
1. Advanced age. People over 65 years old are at particular risk.
2. Gender. Women are at greater risk, losing bone more rapidly than men due to menopause. Although, men are also at risk and constitute 20% of patient population with osteoporosis.
3. Family and personal history. Family history of osteoporosis, history of fracture on the mother’s side of the family, and a personal history of any kind of bone fracture as an adult after the age of 45.
4. Race. Caucasian and Asian women are at a higher risk.
5. Body type. Small-boned women who weigh less than 127 pounds are at a greater risk.
Symptoms
Typically there are no signs or symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. Although, once bones have weakened by osteoporosis, there may be signs and symptoms like:
1. Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
2. Loss of height/shrinking over time
3. A stooped posture/hunched backed
4. A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected
Prevention
Osteoporosis can be prevented by building strong bones and having a diet that includes a reasonable amount of vitamin D and calcium. A lot of exercise in preteen years and teen years increases bone mass and reduces risk of developing osteoporosis in adulthood. Limiting alcohol and staying away from smoking also helps prevent it in the future.
Osteoporosis Clinic
Email: gerardm@bdaus.com.au
Website: www.osteoporosis.org.au
Phone: (02) 9518 8140