Osteoporosis

Other Causes of Osteoporosis

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Not Only A Disease of the Elderly

There are several Osteoporosis Causes. 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 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

The female hormone estrogen (in British English oestrogen) and male hormone testosterone play an important role in keeping bones strong, by processing minerals such as calcium. Low levels of sex hormones can result in greater instances of osteoporosis developing.

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

Unfortunately, there are few visible signs of osteoporosis, often until the disease has advanced considerably. For this reason it has often been referred to as one of the "silent diseases" because it can to go undetected for years.

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.

Look at the above-image to verify where you stand on the progression of osteoporosis. If you are not standing tall, take measures to improve your posture and visit your doctor to make sure that osteoporosis is not the reason that you are becoming bent.

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

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