Discuss osteoporosis prevention with your doctor. Before your next appointment, check off the following risk factors that apply to you and share it with your doctor. If your doctor thinks that you have or may be at risk for osteoporosis, he/she may request a bone mineral density (BMD) test which helps determine if you are at risk for an osteoporotic fracture.

White or Asian

Family history of osteoporosis, broken bones, or stooped posture

Postmenopausal or currently going through menopause

Never given birth to a child

Small thin body frame or low body weight

Not enough calcium in your diet now or when you were younger (possibly from conditions like lactose intolerance or a decreased consumption of dairy products; most men, women, and children need anywhere from 800mg to 1,500mg of calcium daily)

Lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle

Current or past history of cigarette smoking

Early menopause (before the age of 45) naturally or from surgical removal of the ovaries

Practices or conditions that result in absence of menstrual cycles (eg. excessive exercise or weight loss)

Long-term use of some medications (eg. prednisone or other steroids, phenytoin, thyroid medications, and others)

Chronic medical conditions (eg. rheumatoid arthritis, asthma or other lung disorders, thyroid problems, cancer, or any other health condition you may have)

Broken bones (especially of the hip, forearm, or spine). Fractures of the spine are not always obvious. Signs of spinal fractures may include a stooped posture, height loss, or back pain

Alcohol or caffeine consumption (possible risk factor)