Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and break easily. It happens mostly to older people; however, you may still find younger people suffering from this condition. Osteoporosis is not easy to diagnose at the initial stages; however, at an advanced stage, you may experience pain when your vertebrae compress and exert pressure on the hips leading to fracture. You can get treatment for Boca Raton osteoporosis after a thorough assessment and diagnosis from the specialists. Here are the causes of osteoporosis that you should know about to prevent it before it happens.

Low Estrogen production

The natural hormone estrogen is vital for the maintenance of strong bones, but as women age, they produce less and less of it. Estrogen deficiency is the most common cause of osteoporosis in women, and it can occur due to several factors. Estrogen production is at a peak in girls and young women; however, it gradually decreases after menopause. For older women, there is bone loss which can lead to osteoporosis and hip fracture. Younger women may also be at risk of osteoporosis if they stop menstruating early due to medical conditions. Low testosterone in men can also lead to low bone density and osteoporosis. Note that testosterone is converted into estrogen for bone preservation.

Hormonal imbalance

Other than estrogen, several hormones help regulate bone density, including growth hormone and parathyroid. These also help in balancing the calcium levels in the body for stronger bones. An imbalance can lead to low calcium, thereby causing the bones to weaken.

Calcium deficiency

Calcium is vital for the rebuilding of new bones and preservation. Bones consist of calcium and phosphorous, and women of all ages need to consume food rich in calcium. Men, too, need calcium for stronger bones.

Vitamin D deficiency

Lack of vitamin D can cause brittle bones and accelerate bone loss. So it is vital to ensure you get enough vitamin D to help the body absorb other minerals such as calcium.

Lifestyle choices

Leading a sedentary lifestyle can increase the weight of your body, which can put more pressure on the bones. It is vital to have a routine workout to ensure you have a balanced body mass index. Also, lifestyle choices such as smoking can affect your bone density and increase the risk of fracture. Nicotine affects the body and interferes with estrogen, vitamin D, and calcium intake. Also, a lot of alcohol intake can lead to calcium loss and a high risk of bone loss.

Medication and medical conditions

Some medicines can speed up bone loss which can lead to brittleness and fractures. For example, drugs such as cortisone and hydrocortisone are used to treat various conditions and lead to bone loss. In addition, some medical conditions are genetic in type and can lead to osteoporosis. Examples include cystic fibrosis and multiple myeloma, which can interfere with bone density.

There are many causes of osteoporosis; however, most are preventable, and you only need to adjust your lifestyle. Contact the experts at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists for an assessment and treatment of osteoporosis.