Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the skeletal system. Bones become so fragile that a simple fall or even common actions, such as bending or coughing, can cause a fracture. The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis occur in the hip, wrist or spine.
Although it mainly affects women, osteoporosis also occurs in men. White and Asian women are at higher risk of developing the disease - especially older women who are menopausal.
• Gender - Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men
• Age - The risk of osteoporosis increases with age
• Race - Caucasian or Asian women have the highest risk of osteoporosis
• Family history - People who have a family history of osteoporosis, especially if their relatives have suffered a hip fracture, have a higher risk of osteoporosis
• Physical constitution - short stature women and men tend to have a higher risk of osteoporosis
• Lack of movement
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Hormone levels - osteoporosis is more common in people who have either too high or too low a level of certain hormones, such as sex hormones, thyroid hormones, but also hormones secreted by the adrenal glands.
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