According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, this preventable disease is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. The Foundation also reports that certain body types and lifestyle choices can put individuals at greater risk for developing the disease. Age the disease is more prevalent in older women. However, prevention for the disease should start early in a woman s life. Family history women with a family history of the disease are more susceptible.
Early menopause increased risk exists for women who have early menopause.
In addition, women who stop menstruating before menopause, due to conditions such as anorexia or bulimia, are at risk. Bone structure small boned women are at greater risk. Diet diets lacking calcium and vitamin D can cause great susceptibility. Medications use of certain medications, including cortisone drugs, can increase risk. Experts recommend prevention for this disease begins early in life given that by age 20, the average woman has acquired 98 percent of her skeletal mass.