Men also eventually develop osteoporosis, but since they start out with greater bone mass and do not live as long on average, it is less of a public health problem. It is important to understand that bone is not an inanimate substance like marble - it is constantly undergoing resorption and remodeling. It is this constant process of change that leads to either weak, brittle bones or strong, dense bones. The biggest risk factor for osteoporosis is early menopause, especially before age 45. Other important risk factors include Caucasian or Asian ancestry, a family history of osteoporosis, certain medications and a slender build.
Several medications increase resorption of bone calcium, leading to osteoporosis.
One of the most important is steroid medications such as prednisone, anti-inflammatory agents usually used to treat arthritis and certain bowel and lung diseases. Dilantin, a drug used to treat seizures, can also result in bone loss. Other medications such as certain chemotherapeutic drugs, heparin, tetracycline, and excessive doses of thyroid hormone can accelerate the development of osteoporosis. The adverse effects of these medications can sometimes be minimized by adding supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Measuring bone density before starting long-term use of these drugs provides a baseline that can be useful for later comparison. Several medical problems and life-style factors can also lead to osteoporosis.