Home › Your Bone Health › Osteoporosis Risk Factors Osteoporosis Risk Factors Who is affected by osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is common in Australia. Women and men can be affected, with up to 25% of cases in men. People 50 years and over are mostly at risk; however, osteoporosis can occur in younger people, depending on risk factors. Protect your bones. Know your risk and talk to your doctor if you have risk factors. Early investigation of risk factors can prevent osteoporosis. Diagnosed osteoporosis can be managed and treated to reduce bone-breaking risk. Common Osteoporosis Risk Factors Family history Poor bone health can be hereditary. Check if anyone in your family (particularly parents or siblings) has been diagnosed with osteoporosis. This includes parents or siblings who have experienced a broken bone (from a minor fall) or rapidly lost height, which can indicate being at risk of osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D Low calcium intake: Adults require 1,000 mg daily (preferably through diet), increasing to 1,300 mg daily for women over 50 and men over 70. Low vitamin D levels: Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium. Lack of sun exposure can lead to low vitamin D levels. People at risk of vitamin D deficiency should be investigated. Medical history Conditions and medications which can impact bone health: Breaking a bone from a minor bump or fall should be investigated in anyone 50 years + Low hormone levels – early menopause in women or low testosterone in men Coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and other malabsorption disorders Diabetes Certain breast cancer treatments or prostate cancer Anorexia nervosa Corticosteroids – commonly used for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions Thyroid conditions – overactive thyroid or parathyroid Rheumatoid arthritis Chronic liver or kidney disease Certain epilepsy, antidepressant or HIV treatment Lifestyle factors Low levels of physical activity Smoking Excessive alcohol intake Body build and weight A thin body build can increase your risk Obesity studies suggest hormone changes associated with obesity can impact bones “Check your bone health now!” Self-assess your risk online with Know Your Bones developed by Healthy Bones Australia in partnership with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. Start Assessment Now