History of Osteoporosis or Thyroid Disorders in Your Family

When it comes to diseases like osteoporosis and thyroid disease, they don’t have the threatening reputation of cancer and heart disease, yet they’re highly prevalent. Researchers estimate that about one in five women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. Each year, thousands of women go undiagnosed for thyroid disorders. While lifestyle factors and sheer demographics can affect the development of these problems, you can start assessing your risk with your family.

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If someone in your family has or had osteoporosis...

• Find out: The relative’s history of fractures and surgeries.

• Test this:  You may not need a bone density test, but you can get your vitamin D levels checked and take vitamin D with calcium.

• Keep in mind: Men have osteoporosis, too. “Many men are vitamin D deficient but people think of it as a women’s disease,” Wellness Advisor Beth Ricanati, M.D. says. More men die after hip fractures than women!

QUIZ: Check how much calcium and vitamin D you are getting your daily diet

VIDEO: The Link between Vitamin D and Bone Renewal

If someone in your family has or had a thyroid problem...

• Find out: The kind of condition (i.e. hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism); history of surgeries for nodules on thyroid.

• Test this:  A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test to look at levels of the metabolism regulating hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

• Keep in mind: Every woman after the age of 30 should get a TSH test every five years, according to medical professionals.

MORE: Monitor Your Thyroid