Gender and genetic factors
Sex one of the determinants of the risk of developing osteoporosis. High osteoporosis rates are found among women in comparison to the rates among men. Generally, white women experience hip fractures about twice more than white men, rates of hip fracture are about fifty percent lower in African women and Asian women than in white women. The decrease in estrogen levels in women at menopause is one of the strongest risk factors for developing osteoporosis.
Reduction in muscle mass and muscle strength affects women more than men. However, women with low BMI (body mass index) are at increased risk of OST.
Genes present in humans and a family history of osteoporosis can be a strong determinant of OST rates. Having a mother with an osteoporotic hip fracture doubles the risk of hip fracture.
Race
Osteoporosis can occur in all races. However, Asians and whites (especially of northern European descent) are at high risk. Ethnic and race variability is much lower for men unlike in women, although white men tend to have marginal higher OST rates than Asian and African men.