Osteoporosis can be a primary disease, i.e., the problem is within the bone itself, or secondary to other causative factors such as chronic steroid therapy. In the past, osteoporosis was considered to be present only after an individual had suffered a bone fragility fracture. Now, with our ability to measure bone density, we consider osteoporosis to be present if a certain amount of bone has been lost, putting the individual at increased risk for developing a fracture. Of the estimated 2.5 million Americans with osteoporosis, most are postmenopausal women. Caucasians and Asians are the races at greatest risk.
Age is also a risk factor.
There is a clear decrease in bone density following menopause and an increasing risk of fractures with age. Other important factors are premature menopause, lack of exercise, small body build, caffeine, alcohol and smoking, as well as a calcium-deficient diet. Medications such as steroids and thyroid hormones, and diseases such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism and anorexia nervosa are other key risk factors. Many of the risk factors mentioned above cannot be changed. However, there are things that we can alter in our lives which will have a significant positive impact.