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Causes of Osteporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when more bone density and mass are lost than new bone density and mass are created. The cause of osteoporosis is multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, hormonal, dietary, and lifestyle factors that affect bone density and strength. Here are the primary factors contributing to the development of osteoporosis.

Bone density peaks in early adulthood and starts to decline with age. The risk of osteoporosis rises after age 50, with postmenopausal women being most susceptible.  As the rate of bone resorption (breakdown) begins to exceed the rate of bone formation, bone mass decreases resulting in osteopenia (low bone density). Osteopenia is a painless warning sign that if left untreated will become osteoporosis.

Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis compared to men.  This is largely due to hormone changes during menopause, which can accelerate bone loss. Men, however, are not immune and can develop osteoporosis, particularly after the age of 70 when testosterone levels decline.

Both are crucial for bone health. Calcium is a building block of bone and Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. A deficiency of either can lead to diminished bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. It is a less commonly discussed but essential nutrient that works synergistically with calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone density and strength. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption from the intestines and plays a role in bone remodeling. However, for the absorbed calcium to be effectively utilized by the bones, Vitamin K2 is necessary. Vitamin K2 activates proteins that help bind calcium to the bone matrix, making the combined intake of Vitamin D and K2 particularly beneficial for bone health.

Physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises, is known to stimulate bone formation. A lack of physical activity can contribute to weaker bones.

These are risk factors, and both can interfere with bone formation and resorption leading to decreased bone density.

Long-term use of cortisone, epidural cortisone injections, and some anticonvulsants can lead to loss of bone density. Anticonvulsants that treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders can negatively impact bone health. Antidepressants can interfere with bone metabolism. Long term use of Proton Pump inhibitors such as omeprazole used to treat GERD can reduce calcium absorption and lead to lower bone density. Inhaled glucocorticoids commonly used to treat asthma and COPD can affect bone density. The use of thyroid hormone replacement therapy can lead to bone loss. Many other common drugs can also negatively impact bone density.

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone, are potent anti-inflammatory medications often prescribed for a variety of conditions, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other inflammatory diseases. However, they have a well-documented side effect profile, which includes their impact on bone metabolism.

certain cancer treatments can contribute to the development of osteoporosis. These treatments can affect bone density and strength, either directly or indirectly, by influencing the balance between bone resorption and bone formation. The main cancer treatments associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis are: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and steroid therapy.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase the risk for osteoporosis, and having osteoporosis can make diabetes more difficult to manage.

PCOS, Endometriosis, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, Cushing’s Syndrome, Addison’s Disease, and others can all contribute to bone loss.

Osteoporosis tends to run in families, especially if a parent has a history of fractures. Researchers have identified multiple genes that contribute to bone density and strength, which are key factors in the development of osteoporosis.

Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, IBD, and others can contribute to bone loss.

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for the prevention and management of osteoporosis. Strategies to prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis include adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and addressing any underlying health issues or medication use that may affect bone health.

Women over age 50 are at the greatest risk of weak bones and fragility fractures. But osteoporosis is a silent disease, so you may not know if you have it until you break a bone. Fragility fractures are painful, may require surgery, and can increase your risk of death. So don’t wait. Contact OsteoSmart to get your Echolight bone density test and learn your bone health status so you can take action to protect your independence today.

References

  • https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/osteoporosis/osteoporosis-what-you-need-to-know
  • https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/osteoporosis-genetics
  • Wongdee K, Charoenphandhu N. Osteoporosis in diabetes mellitus: Possible cellular and molecular mechanisms. World J Diabetes. 2011 Mar 15;2(3):41-8. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v2.i3.41. PMID: 21537459; PMCID: PMC3083906.
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes-and-osteoporosis
  • Aung M, Amin S, Gulraiz A, Gandhi FR, Pena Escobar JA, Malik BH. The Future of Metformin in the Prevention of Diabetes-Related Osteoporosis. Cureus. 2020 Sep 12;12(9):e10412. doi: 10.7759/cureus.10412. PMID: 33062529; PMCID: PMC7550241.
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