:: Lutheran Hospital of Indiana ::

Osteoporosis Risk Factors:

Family history of osteoporosis
Early menopause (before 45)
Previous broken bone in the hip, wrists, back or ankle
Caucasian or Asian descent
Thin, small or petite body build
Smoking
Lack of exercise
Insufficient calcium or Vitamin D
Excessive alcohol consumption
Use of certain medications such as steroids and thyroid hormones
Excessive use of caffeine

If you are post-menopausal and have even one of the other risk factors, you may be at serious risk for osteoporosis. If you over 65 and post-menopausal talk to your doctor or contact the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Program at Lutheran Hospital.

Osteoporosis affects both men and women. It reduces the strength of your bones, causing them to become brittle and more likely to fracture (break). It's all too common for people with osteoporosis to suffer fractures in their wrists, back and hips. Many of these fractures lead to pain, height loss, difficulty moving, a deformed or curved backbone and possibly permanent disability.

Osteoporosis was once thought to be an inevitable part of aging, but now we understand how to prevent and treat this disease. The Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Program at Lutheran Hospital can help you identify your potential risk for osteoporosis and create a plan to help you prevent it.

Your physician can help you identify warning signs and symptoms that may indicate your risk. Your physician may recommend a bone density test (a DEXA scan). This simple test is the most practical, effective and economical method for precisely measuring your bone density. DEXA scan results are very effective for assessing your risk for fractures.

Who's at risk for osteoporosis? The number one risk factor is being a post-menopausal woman. Read the risk factors on the left side of this page to learn more about your osteoporosis risk factors. We can work with your physician to create an individualized plan to help you.

Research shows that people involved in a comprehensive osteoporosis care program are better equipped to prevent fractures and feel empowered over this disease. Osteoporosis is a very serious disease, 50% of women with osteoporosis who suffer a hip fracture never return to their normal daily living activities. If you or someone you love, want more information on osteoporosis prevention and treatment, talk with your physician or contact the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Program at Lutheran Hospital.