Osteoporosis Causes and Risk Factors

The density of your bone determines its strength. Bone density is partly dependent on the amount of calcium, phosphorous and other minerals present.

Bone turnover is a constant process in which the bone is continuously remodelled by first being torn down and then being rebuilt. The processes of bone resorption (tearing down) and bone formation occur continually. When you are young, bone is formed more rapidly than it is torn down. This increases your bone mass, which peaks at around 35 years of age. Thereafter, bone loss begins to occur at the rate of 0.4% each year. Bone loss in women increases significantly with the onset of menopause. Post-menopausal women lose about 1% to 3% of their bone mass annually for the first 3 to 5 years after menopause. If rapid bone loss in later years results in less than adequate bone mass, you run the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Oestrogen deficiency in women is the most common cause of accelerated bone loss after menopause. A low level of oestrogen caused by surgical removal of both the ovaries prior to menopause also predisposes women to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis can also affect the younger generation. Girls with poor eating habits or very thin athletes who stop menstruating also risk developing this condition. Low levels of the hormone testosterone may lead to osteoporosis in men. As men usually have a higher bone mass then women, osteoporosis is generally seen in males above the age of 65.

The following risk factors increase your risk of developing osteoporosis:

• Family history of osteoporosis.

• Immobilization for long periods.

• Sedentary lifestyle, with little or no exercise.

• Low body mass index with poor bone mass.

• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Inadequate intake of calcium. Insufficient exposure to sunlight.

• Digestive diseases, which hamper nutrient absorption.

• Prolonged use of drugs like steroids.

• Health conditions like chronic kidney disease.

Other Osteoporosis Risk Factors

• Women are at a greater risk than men, especially women who are thin or have a small frame, as are those of advanced age.

• Women who are white or Asian, especially those with a family member with osteoporosis, have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis than other women.

• Women who are postmenopausal, including those who have had early or surgically induced menopause, or abnormal or absence of menstrual periods are at greater risk.

• An early menopause (before the age of 45).

• A hysterectomy before the age of 45, particularly when the ovaries are also removed.

• When periods are absent for a long time (more than 6 months) as a result of over-exercising, or over-dieting.