Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break. Although Osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition.
1. Lost height: People who have lost at least 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) in height may have experienced compression fractures in their spines. Osteoporosis is one of the main causes of compression fractures
2. Fractured a bone: Fragility fractures occur when a bone becomes so fragile that it breaks much more easily than expected. Fragility fractures can sometimes be caused by a strong cough or sneeze
3. Use of medication: Long-term use of steroid medications, such as prednisone, interferes with the bone-rebuilding process — which can lead to Osteoporosis
4. Received a transplant: People who have received an organ or bone marrow transplant are at higher risk of Osteoporosis, partly because anti-rejection drugs also interfere with the bone-rebuilding process
5. Experienced drop in hormone levels: In addition to the natural drop in hormones that occurs after menopause, women may also experience a drop in estrogen during certain cancer treatments. Some treatments for prostate cancer reduce testosterone levels in men. Lowered hormone levels weaken bone