What can cause Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. Characterised by progressive bone loss that leads to brittle, thin and weak bones, it affects over two million people in the UK.
Annually, 300,000 people suffer a fragility fracture (a broken bone resulting from a fall at standing height or less) due to the disease. These fractures cause significant pain, disability, and loss of independence and in many cases can prove fatal. But what can cause Osteoporosis?
Age
The older you are, the greater your risk of Osteoporosis. As you age, bones normally become thinner and weaker, and new bone growth is slower. The risk of fracture increases significantly after the age of 50 years.
Sex
Women are more at risk of developing Osteoporosis than men because the hormone changes that happen at menopause directly affect bone density. Bone loss is fastest in the first few years after menopause and can continue with accelerated bone loss through the postmenopausal years. Men are still at risk, especially after the age of 70.
Family History
Researchers have found that your risk for Osteoporosis and reduced bone mass may increase if one of your parents has a history of osteoporosis or fractures.
Diet/Nutrition
A diet low in calcium and vitamin d can make you more prone to thinning bones and therefore increase your risk of osteoporosis.
Studies have shown that low levels of these nutrients in the elderly are associated with an increased risk of Osteoporosis, fractures and reduced muscle mass and strength. Low body weight, especially in women, makes you more likely to develop Osteoporosis.
Smoking
Commonly known for being bad for your heart and lungs, smoking is also bad for your bones. It affects your body’s ability to properly utilize the calcium in your diet.
Female smokers also typically go through menopause earlier, further increasing their risk for Osteoporosis.
Alcohol
Excessive consumption of alcohol has been linked to an increase in the risk of bone loss and fractures. Chronic heavy drinking of alcohol is a significant risk factor for Osteoporosis.
Inactivity
Prolonged or limited periods of inactivity can contribute to an increased rate of bone loss. Like muscles, bones require activity and stimulation from regular exercise to remain strong. Poor physical condition can increase your risk of falling and breaking a bone.
Medications
Long-term use of certain medications can lead to loss of bone density and fractures. These include:
Glucocorticoids and adrenocorticotropic hormones, treat various conditions, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Antiepileptic medicines, which treat seizures and other neurological disorders.
Cancer medications, which use hormones to treat breast and prostate cancer.
Proton pump inhibitors, which lower stomach acid.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which treat depression and anxiety.
Thiazolidinediones, which treat type II diabetes.
It is important to discuss medication risks with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other Illnesses
Some medical conditions that you may be able to treat or manage can increase the risk of Osteoporosis, such as other endocrine and hormonal diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer and anorexia nervosa.
Your doctor can discuss your bone health and the risk of Osteoporosis.
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Although Osteoporosis is known as the “silent disease”, due to there being typically no symptoms until a bone is broken or fractured, there are medicines to help and prevent Osteoporosis and many people can live well with the condition.
If you have any concerns that you are at risk of Osteoporosis, visit your GP who will provide more details of the condition and its treatment.