Osteoporosis

Other Causes of Osteoporosis

As one of my readers pointed out, osteoporosis is not only an age-related disease and can affect young adults. The condition is defined as a loss of bone mass to a specific level that is determined by one's ideal peak bone mass. The peak is usually experienced sometime in the twenties, often around 25; bone mass decreases from this point on.

When the potential peak bone mass is not achieved (for a variety of reasons) the condition might develop at a much earlier age.

In some cases the reason for the problem is not easily identified. The patient may be doing or have done all the right things and his or her bone density is still low. This might mean that the condition is hereditory, but it is wise to eliminate other possible causes.

There is often a very strong link between this condition and anorexia or other eating disorders which prevent the sufferer from getting adequate nutriants, but there might also be other reasons, such as problems absorbing calcium. Absorption can be reduced by cortisone and also by soft drinks containing phosphoric acid. The importance of getting enough calcium as a child and adolescent/young adult cannot be stressed strongly enough in this context.

Strong bones are essential for your long-term health and wellbeing. You therefore owe it to yourself to be aware of the importance of building strong bones as early as possible in life and maintaining a regime throughout life that will help keep them that way. Time taken now to take care of your skeletal system will help you maintain an active, independent life for the years to come.

The Role of Hormones

Low Levels of Sex Hormones

Low Oestrogen Levels
Women are at greater risk of developing low bone density and porous bones than men. The decrease in oestrogen levels after the menopause, means that women are at a greater risk of developing brittle bones as they age.

This risk increases due to a variety of reasons.

• Early menopause, before the age of 45.
• Hysterectomy before the age of 45, especially a full hyterectomy which involves ablation of the ovaries.
• No periods over a long time which often occurs with eating disorders. Excessive dieting or exercising.

Low Testosterone Levels
Men with low testosterone levels are equally at risk of developing brittle bone disease because this hormone protects bones in the same way that oestragen does in women.

Other Hormones
Besides low levels of sex hormones, diseases of the other hormone-producing glands may cause osteoporosis, including:

• Adrenal Gland diseases such as Cushing’s Syndrome
• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid
• Disorders of the adrenal glands, such as Cushing's syndrome,
• Pituary gland disorders

Other Factors

• Family history of the disease
• Lack of Nutrients caused by eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia
• Low body mass - being underweight andhaving a very low body mass index can also increase the risk of osteoporosis no matter what your age (a BMI of 19 or less is a risk factor)
• Long periods of inactivity caused by illness
• Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies
• Heavy drinking and smoking,
• Absorbtion problems, which can be caused by digestive related diseases
• Corticosteroids certain medications used in treating allergies and conditions like arthritis can weaken the bones if used in high does over long periods