Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone mass breaks down faster than it can be replaced, causing the bones to become weak and more likely to break. The condition is most common in older people, but it can occur at any age. Treatments for osteoporosis can include calcium supplements, hormone therapy, physical activity, and medication. Unfortunately, osteoporosis is often not diagnosed until the patient has already broken a bone. However, risk factors for osteoporosis include:
1. Low estrogen levels during menopause
Estrogen has been known to play a vital role in maintaining bone density. During menopause—which is the time, usually in middle age, when a woman’s menstruation cycle ends—estrogen levels drop. This can lead to reduced bone density and osteoporosis. The best way to avoid developing osteoporosis during menopause is to build up bone density before it occurs.
2. Poor nutrition or malabsorption
While a poor diet is fairly self-explanatory, malabsorption can be caused by intestinal diseases, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease. Regardless of which is the issue, however, both can lead to osteoporosis, because they can result in calcium or vitamin D deficiencies. Calcium is an essential mineral to building strong bones, and vitamin D helps the body absorb and use calcium. To get more calcium into your diet, try to eat dairy, fish, nuts, and leafy greens. Vitamin D is not found in many foods, so ensure you have enough vitamin D by getting enough sunlight and taking vitamin D supplements.
3. Smokers
Smoking is associated with a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Smoking can cause damage to the arteries, heart, and lungs, which can interfere with the blood flow to the bones. It can also increase the amount of estrogen and corticosteroids in the blood, disrupting bone metabolism.
4. Lack of exercise
Exercise plays an essential role in building and maintaining bone strength. Those who do not exercise regularly, therefore, may be more likely to develop osteoporosis. To develop bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, be sure to regularly practice both weight-bearing and resistance-training exercises. Moreover, be sure to choose low-impact activities to protect the joints and to include some aerobic activities and flexibility exercises in your regular routine as well.
5. Chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and chronic hepatitis C
Those with chronic conditions that affect the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be more likely to develop osteoporosis because of the medications used to treat such conditions. Additionally, those with diseases that increase inflammation and reduce the amount of fat in their bodies can also be vulnerable to osteoporosis.
6. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can cause several problems, including increased bone loss and an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Hyperthyroidism affects estrogen production and how the body absorbs calcium, both of which can potentially lead to the development of osteoporosis.
7. Taking certain medications, like Prednisone
People who take corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, for a long time sometimes develop osteoporosis. Corticosteroids can cause bone resorption and loss because they reduce the production of bone tissue. As such, taking such medications regularly can significantly increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
