Osteoporosis affects more than 200 million people worldwide; 1 in 3 are women, while 1 in 5 are men. This is a serious condition that can greatly reduce your quality of life if left to progress. Hip fractures due to brittle and hollow bones are a great risk to the elderly.
Knowing the early warning signs of osteoporosis and who is most at risk is crucial. This short guide will cover all the common risk factors of osteoporosis and what you should do.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
The tough part about osteoporosis is that it is often difficult to self diagnose. This is especially true if you fall outside the high-risk age groups. There are a few types of early physical issues that can point to early bone loss.
This includes issues with back pain and posture. If your lifestyle isn’t sedentary and you aren’t putting a lot of pressure on your back, chronic backaches mean something is wrong. Although these symptoms could likewise point to poor core strength, so you’ll need to get a doctor’s opinion.
Risk Factors of Osteoporosis
If any of these risk factors accompany your back pain and poor posture, you may be at risk.
Age and Gender
Men and women over the age of 50 are at a 20-30% higher risk, respectively. Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis. After you hit 30, your bones begin to lose density, as bone cells are replaced slower.
You’ll need to include exercises that help build strong bones in your life. You must also focus on getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
Genetics and Ethnicity
If your family has a history of osteoporosis, your chances of inheriting it are high. White, Latina, and Asian women have the highest risk of developing osteoporosis. White women are twice as likely as Black women to suffer from hip fractures.
That means that prevention must start early before bone density loss occurs.
Bone Structure and Fracture History
Women who are skinny and petite carry the highest likelihood of getting osteoporosis. Their bones have less mass and therefore have less to lose before the risk of fracture increases. Top-heavy men and women with petite bone structures also carry increased risk.
Previously broken bones may mark as early warning signs of bone density issues. Arthritis can accompany osteoporosis, but not always.
Medications and Drugs
The last category involves drug interactions that affect bone density. If you purchase your drugs online, make sure your drugs are safe and are the correct formula. This trusted company contains all the legal and medical requirements for your protection.
Drugs that are known to cause bone loss include:
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- Cyclosporine
- Glucocorticoids
- Prednisone
- Cortisone
- Dexamethasone
Recreational drugs, such as alcohol and smoking, also contribute to the loss of bone density.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you fall into any of the above risk factors of osteoporosis, you should see a doctor. They can perform a bone mineral density test to take a closer look at your bones. Bones that have lost density appear more porous and are smaller in width.
Don’t wait until your first warning sign is a broken bone. People with osteoporosis heal slower, increasing the risk for other fractures or reinjury. Take an active role in your life by learning more about your health.
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