The majority of women who are diagnosed with osteoporosis don't even realize they're at higher risk of broken bones, according to new research.

In a study presented in September at a medical meeting of bone researchers, more than 60,000 women ages 55 and older in 10 countries answered questionnaires related to osteoporosis, in which they reported their personal factors related to osteoporosis risk and rated their self-perceived risk for fractures.

Of women with no risk factors, 90-percent thought their risk of fractures was similar to or lower than that of women the same age. However, of women who were diagnosed with osteoporosis, 56 percent thought they weren't at increased risk for fractures.

One of the study's authors found these results "frustrating," according to news coverage of the study, but added that women need more education about methods of lowering their risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, some of the important risk factors for osteoporosis and broken bones in women are older age, a family history of parents having broken bones, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and an inactive lifestyle.

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Sources: www.nof.org, www.nlm.nih.gov, and www.abstractsonline.com