Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but it is more common in females of older age. Risk factors for getting osteoporosis include old age, low body weight, family history, smoking, certain medications (corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, etc.), and low bone mass (osteopenia).[1] Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, either due to effects of the disease itself, the medications used to treat the condition, or both. This includes epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, COPD, adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease, HIV, and many others.[2]
What causes osteoporosis?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Osteoporosis can affect anyone, but it is more prevalent in older women, and risk factors include age, low body weight, family history, smoking, certain medications, and low bone mass. Additionally, various medical conditions and their treatments can further increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.