Back

My parents both had bones break because of osteoporosis. Is this hereditary?

Family history is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Age is actually considered a much greater risk factor. Age and menopause combined for women increases the risk even more. A personal history of past osteoporotic fractures can increase the chances of having another bone break by as much as five times.

Scientists are starting to look at the environmental factors of industrialized countries such as the United States. For example, although every woman goes through menopause, differences in the number of women affected by osteoporosis occur from country to country.

The differences cannot be explained just on the basis of decreased estrogen. Countries with the highest amount of osteoporosis also have a high rate of heart disease. They also have the highest intake of carbohydrates, fat, protein, salt, and caffeine.

There are other known risk factors for both men and women. For men, low levels of testosterone and a history of prostate cancer can contribute to the development of osteoporosis. For women, cancer treatment that affects the ovaries and a thin, small-framed body type increase the risk of osteoporosis.

For both men and women, osteoporosis prevention is an important part of good health care. An adequate diet or supplementation of calcium and vitamin D are required. Daily weight-bearing exercise is encouraged. Limiting (or eliminating) tobacco use and drinking alcohol in moderation are also recommended.

New medications are now available to help reduce the bone loss and number of fractures linked with decreased bone density. See your doctor for an evaluation of your risk for osteoporosis, and plan a strategy now for prevention that you can stick to for the rest of your life.

« Back