Causes

What Causes Osteoporosis?

All of the causes of osteoporosis are not known, but certain factors are believed to contribute to an individuals likelihood of developing the disease. Many, but not all people who develop osteoporosis have several of the known risk factors.

Low bone density is a serious risk factor for developing osteoporosis. This factor is especially important since is it one of the risk factors that you can alter, along with hormone level, diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices. Other risk factors that cannot be changed include gender, age, family history, body size and ethnicity.

Other factors can lead to osteoporosis, including medications you may need to take or other medical conditions.

Certain medications may interfere with the body's ability to use calcium, or may affect the bone directly. These medications are often essential treatments for which there are no substitutes. Do not stop any treatment or change the dose of any medications without first checking with your physician.

Long term use of medications called glucocorticoids (steroids or corticosteroids), can lead to loss of bone density and to fractures. These drugs are used in the treatment of certain cancers, arthritis, asthma, Crohn's disease, lupus, and diseases of the lungs, liver, and kidney. They are also used to prevent rejection of organ transplants. Bone loss can also occur from the use of other drugs, such as antiseizure medications (phenytoin), gonadotropin hormones, excessive use of aluminum-containing antacids and excessive thyroid hormone.

Certain disease and conditions may affect bone health and lead to osteoporosis. If you have any of these conditions, it is important to talk with your physician about your bone health before a fracture occurs-

Inflammatory disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and lupus that are treated with steroids)
Hypogonadism (underactive gonad function)
Hyperparathyroidism (excessive parathyroid hormone)
Hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone)
Cushing's Syndrome (overactive adrenal glands)
Turner's or Klinfelter's Syndrome
Low sex hormone

In women - as a result of over-exercise or eating disorders that cause decreased estrogen production, or premature menopause

In Men - as a result of decreased testosterone production

Blood or bone marrow disorders (myeloma)
Organ transplantation
Chronic kidney, liver, lung, and gastrointestinal disorders
Breast or Prostate cancer (if treatment lowers estrogen levels in women or lowers testosterone levels in men)
Spinal cord injury that leaves a person with paralysis of the lower limbs
Multiple sclerosis (if steroids are used or walking ability is reduced)

Are you at risk for Osteoporosis?