Osteoporosis

Other Causes of Osteoporosis

Not Only A Disease of the Elderly

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 hereditary, but it is wise to eliminate other possible causes.

In the 1960s educational programs stressed the need for milk in a balanced diet. While there is a certain amount of controversy regarding the ingestion of cow's milk, the need for calcium in the diet is still very much emphasized by medical professionals.

There is often a very strong link between this condition and anorexia or other eating disorders which prevent the sufferer from getting adequate nutrients, 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. This is one of the reasons that, in some countries, government sponsored milk distribution was carried out in public schools, so that children of poorer families would get enough calcium on a daily basis.

Strong bones are essential for your long-term health and well-being. 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 Estrogen Levels
Women are at greater risk of developing low bone density and porous bones than men. The decrease in estrogen 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 hysterectomy 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 estrogen does in women.

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

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

Osteoporosis Causes - Other Factors

• Family history of the disease
• Lack of Nutrients caused by eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia
• Low body mass - being underweight and having a very low body mass index can also increase the risk 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,
• Absorption 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

Take Stock of Your Situation

People with advanced osteoporosis may end up with fractures in parts of the body which are vulnerable, such as hands, wrists and hips and may also experience back, neck or hip pain. Others will only find our they have the disease when they get the results of a bone mineral density scan (BMD).

Therefore, it is important to read up on the subject in order to familiarize yourself with the causes of osteoporosis in order to protect yourself from getting the disease.

Continue to page four of the Age-well Mini Site on Osteoporosis;

osteoporosis information

Visit the Osteoporosis Advice Forum

age-well.org > osteoporosis-prevention > osteoporosis causes

New! Comments