Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Although osteoporosis can strike at any age, it is most common among older people, especially older women. White and Asian women are most likely to have osteoporosis. Other women at great risk include those who:

• Have a family history of broken bones or osteoporosis
• Have broken a bone after age 50
• Had surgery to remove their ovaries before their periods stopped
• Had early menopause
• Have not gotten enough calcium and/or vitamin D throughout their lives
• Had extended bed rest or were physically inactive
• Smoke (smokers may absorb less calcium from their diets)
• Take certain medications, including medicines for arthritis and asthma and some cancer drugs
• Used certain medicines for a long time
• Have a small body frame

The risk of osteoporosis grows as you get older. At the time of menopause, women may lose bone quickly for several years. After that, the loss slows down but continues.

Also, some men may get osteoporosis. In men, the loss of bone mass is slower. But, by age 65 or 70, men and women are losing bone at the same rate.

Learn more about osteoporosis including diagnosis and treatment options.