Osteoporosis Causes

As you age more bone cells are lost than replaced causing the bones to become thinner and more fragile. The disease usually progresses very slowly over a number of years and many people are only diagnosed following an injury or fracture.

Woman are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men as a result of lower oestrogen levels following the Menopause. Oestrogen is essential for healthy bones.

Woman are particularly at risk following:

• an early menopause (before the age of 45),

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

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

• Other factors that may contribute to bone loss include inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, lack of weight-bearing exercise, and other age-related changes in endocrine functions (in addition to lack of estrogen).

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.

• Cigarette smoking, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, low amounts of calcium in the diet, heavy alcohol consumption, inactive lifestyle, and use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants, are also risk factors.