Key Takeaways:
• Silent Risk: Bone loss often has no symptoms until the first fracture occurs.
• Genetic Factors: A family history of hip fractures is a primary indicator of risk.
• Medical Triggers: Conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis and medications like steroids accelerate bone loss.
• Action Point: Screening is recommended for all women over 65 and men over 70, or earlier if risk factors are present.
Are You at Risk of Osteoporosis?
You are at higher risk of osteoporosis if you are female, over age 50, have a small body frame, or a family history of hip fractures. While aging is the most common cause, “secondary osteoporosis” triggered by medical conditions (like thyroid issues) or lifestyle choices (like smoking) can affect men and women at any age. Early identification of these red flags is the only way to prevent life-changing fragility fractures.
The Genetic and Medical Red Flags
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because bone density can decline for decades without pain. In our clinic, we categorize risk into three primary areas:
1. Fixed Risks: Things You Cannot Change
- Age & Sex: Risk increases significantly after menopause due to falling estrogen levels.
- Family History: If a parent suffered a hip fracture, your own risk is statistically higher.
- Ethnicity: People of Caucasian and Asian descent have a higher documented risk of low bone mass.
2. Medical Conditions and Medications
Certain health issues “steal” minerals from your bones. If you have been diagnosed with any of the following, a DEXA scan is essential:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or Lupus.
- Overactive thyroid or parathyroid glands.
- Malabsorption issues (e.g., Coeliac disease or Crohn’s).
- Long-term use of corticosteroids (prednisone).
How Lifestyle Choices Impact Your Skeleton
Unlike genetics, your daily habits are within your control. Our Bone Health Blueprint emphasizes that small shifts can yield massive results:
- Sedentary Living: Bones need mechanical “stress” to stay strong. Walking and resistance training provide this.
- Tobacco & Alcohol: Both act as toxins to bone-building cells (osteoblasts).
- Dietary Gaps: A lifelong lack of calcium and Vitamin D prevents bones from reaching or maintaining peak density.
Clinical Perspective: Experience Matters
“In our London clinic, we often see patients who are extremely fit but have ‘secondary’ risks they weren’t aware of—such as long-term acid reflux medication. We don’t just look at the bone; we look at the whole medical history to find the ‘why’ behind the bone loss.”
— The LOC Clinical Team
Conclusion: Knowledge is Prevention
Understanding your risk factors is the first step toward a fracture-free future. If you recognize more than two red flags in this guide, a professional assessment can provide the clarity and roadmap you need to stay active and independent.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Taher Mahmud, Consultant Rheumatologist
