osteoporosis is caused by a lack of bone strength or bone density. as you age your bones get thinner naturally. but some things can make you more likely to have the severe bone thinning of osteoporosis. these things are called risk factors. some risk factors you can change. others you can't change. risk factors you can't change include: your age. your risk for osteoporosis goes up as you get older. being a woman who has gone through menopause. after menopause the body makes less estrogen. estrogen protects the body from bone loss. your family background. osteoporosis tends to run in families. having a slender body frame. your race. people of european and asian background are most likely to get osteoporosis. risk factors you can change include: smoking. not getting enough weight -bearing exercise. drinking too much alcohol. not getting enough calcium and vitamin d in the things you eat or from supplements. to check your risk for osteoporosis use this interactive tool: are you at risk for osteoporosis? webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what causes osteoporosis?