What are the Causes of Osteoporosis?
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 309, Word Count: 602,
Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs due to loss of bone density. It makes the bones fragile and more prone to fractures. Many people have various types of disbeliefs about what are the causes of osteoporosis as there are several causes of this disease. Some of these can be controlled, while some are uncontrollable.
There are mainly two types of osteoporosis: primary osteoporosis and secondary osteoporosis. When the cause of osteoporosis is specifically related to age, it is known as primary osteoporosis. But when the cause of the disease is unknown, it is known as secondary osteoporosis. It may occur due to certain diseases or lifestyle factors or medications.
What are the Causes of Osteoporosis?
There are several causes of osteoporosis. Some are controllable and some are not. Some of these causes are discussed below.
Controllable Causes of Osteoporosis
- Diet:
A good diet is essential to maintain a healthy body. Diet consisting of proper amounts of vitamins and minerals promote bone growth. Calcium helps your bones to grow and regenerate. Deficiency of this mineral makes your bones weak and more prone to osteoporosis. The level of calcium you may require varies with your age.
To absorb and use calcium, your body requires Vitamin D. Other minerals and vitamins like magnesium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, phosphorous and Vitamin K are also required to maintain healthy bones. Deficiency of any of these, may lead to osteoporosis.
High intake of protein and caffeine also causes osteoporosis. Both of these limit the absorption of calcium by the body.
- Smoking and Alcohol:
Addiction to any of these increases the chances of osteoporosis. The chemicals present in cigarettes and alcohol reduces the capacity of the body to use calcium.
- Exercise:
Lack of exercise actually weakens your bones and muscles and as a result your body may develop osteoporosis.
Uncontrollable Causes of Osteoporosis
- Gender:
Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
- Family History:
If a person’s family history shows that anyone had or has osteoporosis, the person is at a higher risk.
- History of Broken Bones:
The bone mineral density (BMD) of an individual gets lowered if there is any history of broken bones. Such people are at a higher risk of osteoporosis.
- Low Body Weight:
People who are thin or have very low body weight are also prone to this disease.
- Estrogen Levels:
Estrogen is a hormone that protects bones. People with low estrogen level tend to develop osteoporosis at a higher rate. This is common with post menopausal women and they need to be vigilant about their health.
- Ethnicity:
Asian and white people are at more risk of this disease than Hispanic or black people.
Medical Conditions that Cause Osteoporosis
- Parathyroid and thyroid:
Hyperthyroidism leads to bone loss by producing too much of parathyroid hormone.
- Intestinal or kidney problems:
Any problem related to your intestinal or kidney interferes with absorption of calcium, thus making your bones weak.
Medications that Cause Osteoporosis
Some corticosteroids, thyroid related medicines, antacids with aluminum, anti-convulsants or anti-seizure medications may lead to osteoporosis by causing excessive bone loss.
So here is a brief description about “what are the causes of osteoporosis”. Effective measures should be taken to prevent it.
About the Author
Dr Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health.
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