Osteoporosis: Causes

Some people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Factors that increase the chance of developing osteoporosis are called "risk factors."

Risk factors include:

• Being female

• Having a thin and/or small frame

• Getting older

• Having a family member with osteoporosis

• Leading an inactive lifestyle

• Eating a diet low in calcium and vitamin D

• Using alcohol on a regular basis

• Smoking tobacco

• Going through menopause

• Low testosterone levels (in men)

• Being of Caucasian or Asian ancestry, though African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at risk as well

• Using certain medicines, such as corticosteroids and anti-seizure medications

• Having a medical condition which impairs calcium absorption such as disorders of the stomach and intestines, liver, or kidney