Osteoporosis Reference Guide

Signs of Osteoporosis

Here are some warning signs that your bones are in trouble making you susceptible to osteoporosis later in life:

You break a bone

Breaking a bone as an adult does not always mean you have Osteoporosis, but it could be a sign of bone weakness.

You have a family history of Osteoporosis

If someone in your family suffers from Osteoporosis, you have up to an 80 percent chance of developing it also.

You do not get enough calcium

Calcium is essential in building healthy bones. Milk and other dairy products can provide bone-building calcium as well as various leafy green vegetables.

You smoke or drink alcohol

If you are a smoker, you are doubling your risk of Osteoporosis because smoking reduces the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Similarly, those who drink too much alcohol are prone to bone loss and fractures.

You are thinner than normal.

Low body weight is a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures.

You have chronic medical problems.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes or liver disease, you are at risk for Osteoporosis.

You have persistent back pain.