Risk Factors

How do I know if I am premenopausal?

You are considered premenopausal if you are having regular menstrual periods. During your perimenopausal years (particularly in your late forties or early fifties), your monthly periods may become irregular. You are still considered premenopausal until your periods have stopped for 12 months in a row without a medical reason.

Am I at risk for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can happen to anyone; the disease has no age, gender or ethnic boundaries. Osteoporosis commonly affects advanced seniors, postmenopausal women, and individuals of Caucasian or Asian decent. This does not mean that others are not at risk for osteoporosis. Men, African-Americans, and other populations get osteoporosis, too; they are just at a slightly lower risk than Caucasian or Asian postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis can occur, although less frequently, in the premenopausal years and may be related to family history, medical conditions or the use of certain medications.

What causes osteoporosis?

There are many potential causes of osteoporosis in the premenopausal years. Genetics or a strong family history of osteoporosis is a primary cause. Lifestyle factors that can contribute to primary osteoporosis include eating a poor diet especially if it is low in calcium and vitamin D, getting too little physical activity, smoking or using tobacco products, and drinking excessive alcoholic beverages. Secondary causes of osteoporosis include certain diseases, medical conditions, and/ or medications that interfere with reaching peak bone mass.

How do I know my risk factors?

By using the NYSOPEP risk assessment for premenopausal women you can find out your personal risk factors for osteoporosis.

If I have risk factors does that mean I am going to get the disease?

Although risk factors may increase your likelihood of getting osteoporosis, having risk factors does not mean that you have or will get the disease. Once you know your personal risk factors for osteoporosis, you can take actions to control the many risks that can be changed. Taking actions to reduce risk factors can help prevent osteoporosis later in life. It is important to discuss your concerns about your risk for osteoporosis with your medical professional.