Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis? (Quiz)

Bones are high up on the list of things we take for granted — until they fail us. Having weak bones, a condition doctors call low bone mass, makes you vulnerable to fracture — and not just, say, a broken arm. Bone fractures that result from osteoporosis are often in the hips or spine, and they can incapacitate you for months. Even worse, fractures can trigger what experts call a “cascade” of health symptoms, ending in lifelong disability or even death.

While osteoporosis might sound like an older person’s disease, it’s actually the end product of a long, gradual process that affects every adult from the teenage years on. Believe it or not, we stop building bone when we’re between 20 and 25 years old, a point at which we reach what’s called “peak bone mass.” We start losing bone sometime between 30 and 40, depending on how vigilant we are about diet, exercise, and other factors that keep our bones strong.

Worried About Osteoporosis?

How do you know if your bones will hold you up for many years to come? Test yourself by using this list of 12 common risk factors for osteoporosis. If you meet two or more of these criteria, talk to your doctor about whether you should have a bone density scan.

1. Have you ever suffered from an eating disorder?

A history of anorexia is one of the biggest red flags for osteoporosis, says Columbia University endocrinologist Elizabeth Shane, who studies osteopenia — the early stage of osteoporosis — in younger women. That’s because when a woman’s body weight drops too low, it lowers hormone levels, and she typically starts skipping periods. “Anything that lowers estrogen levels interferes with bone building,” Shane says.

Test Yourself: Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis? originally appeared on Caring.com.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Beatrix S.

12:26PM PDT on Mar 15, 2012

I like the other article about collard greens having more calcium than milk..as I am lactose intolerant. I answered no to most questions on the quiz but I broke my left radius bone because of a fall two weeks ago. Never had a bone density test but now thinking about it. Broke the same (L) wrist 13 years ago in MVA. No other bones broken ever. 61 years of age and really thankful for this article. Lots of things to think about

send a green star

Monika K.

8:28AM PST on Nov 23, 2011

So, I should drink more milk. Not sure how much.

jane r.

4:10PM PDT on Sep 11, 2011

Great article.

Monique D.

11:22AM PDT on Aug 11, 2011

Interesting, thanks for sharing

Ravikumar I.

5:15AM PDT on Jul 5, 2011

Osteoporosis affects women more than men, but men are also prone to this disease. On the subject of cancer, I added a comment. The same comment I want to add here, if you want to INSURE YOURSELF AGAINST OSTEOPOROSIS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE and that is called "KAPALBHATI". Do this pranayama (breathing exercise) AS INSTRUCTED BY BABA RAM DEV - say 10 to 15 minutes a day, EVERY DAY, and you can be assured that osteoporosis will never bother you at all. Again, as I mentioned on the subject of cancer, YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IN 'KAPALBHATI', YOU MUST DO IT SINCERELY AT LEAST FOR A MONTH, AND YOU ARE BOUND TO SEE THE BENEFITS/RESULTS FOR YOURSELF.

Danielle K.

4:30PM PDT on Jul 4, 2011

Interesting, because I didn't know that sunlight could have such a large effect - I have friends from Scotland and nobody ever mentioned to me the need to take supplements over the winter!

5:20AM PDT on Jul 3, 2011

janet w.

2:02AM PDT on Jul 3, 2011

good article.before throwing dairy products out,research and become an eductated patient.I smoked for 40+ years;until osteoporosis.Fairly active;lots of supplements as I work screw ball shift and proper eating doesn't happen often.wish I knew in my 30's what I know now.

myra d.

3:43PM PDT on Jul 2, 2011

Good information.

Jacqueline F.

2:11PM PDT on Jul 2, 2011

My grandmother had this, and I know that I answered yes to some of the questions. I'm not sure about how drinking milk would help, since I've seen studies that have said it does not help. I do use hemp milk.......