Biological Sex- Women have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis.
Race- Caucasians and Asians are at greater risk of having osteoporosis.
Age- Since bone loss begins at around age 30, the risk of osteoporosis increases with age.
Family History- If others in your family have experienced hip or spine fractures or become hunched over as they age, you are at greater risk of experiencing the same symptoms.
Body Frame- A thin body frame with low body weight for height will increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Post Menopause- Women who are past menopause have reduced estrogen, so their chances of losing bone mass increase.
Low Estrogen- There is more risk if women have had a low rate of estrogen over their lifetime. The deficiency can be the result of late onset of puberty/getting their period, early menopause (before 40), or an absence or suppression of menstruation.
Medication Use- Certain medications increase the risk of osteoporosis because they contribute to loss of bone mass when used long term. These drugs include steroids, inhaled steroids, anti-epileptic drugs, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, and thyroid hormone suppressive therapy.
Nutritional Conditions- Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, chronic liver disease, malabsorption syndromes, or malnutrition can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Endocrine Disease or Metabolic Causes- These could include thalassemia, diabetes, or hemochromatosis.
Other Medical Disorders- Conditions such as Down's syndrome, mastocytosis, myeloma and some cancers, renal tubular acidosis, rheumatologic disorders, and immobilization add to the risks.