Osteoporosis Risk Factors
Request a Bone Health Exam
Discuss your concerns about osteoporosis with your healthcare provider and obtain an order for DEXA bone density exam. For more information, call the Women's Center at (319) 398-6690. For scheduling, please call (319) 861-7778.
Virtually everyone experiences some bone loss after age 35. However, women have less bone tissue than men to begin with and are, therefore, more susceptible to osteoporosis. In addition, women often have accelerated bone loss during menopause.
Other risk factors include:
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Caucasian or Asian heritage
- Low dietary calcium intake
- A thin, small-boned frame
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Early menopause, either naturally or surgically occurring before age 45
- An inactive lifestyle with little or no exercise
- The use of certain medications for a prolonged period of time (ie: thyroid hormone; glucocorticoids; anti-inflammatory medications used to treat asthma, arthritis and certain cancers; anti-seizure medications)
If you're at risk, talk to your doctor or the professionals at Mercy Women's Center about obtaining accurate and current information on osteoporosis and understanding therapy recommendations.
