Are You At Risk for Osteoporosis?

Physician holding a model of a spine and discussing osteoporosis with a patient.

This checklist is adapted from the 2004 Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis. If you have any of these "red flags," you could be at high risk for weak bones.

Check any item that applies to you.

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Chronic hepatic or renal disease
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Cushing's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Oral glucocorticoids (steroids)
  • Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)
  • Thyroid medicine
  • Antiepileptic medications
  • Chronic hepatic or renal disease
  • Gonadal hormone suppression
  • Immunosuppressive agents

If you have any of these "red flags," you could be at high risk for weak bones. Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.