Osteoporosis (Adult)
What are the cause?
Osteoporosis affects 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men during their lifetime. Bone loss occurs as individuals get older with increased incidence seen as life expectation in the population increases. There are also many other factors which can increase the risk of osteoporosis:
For women:
a lack of oestrogen, caused by
- early menopause (before the age of 45)
- early hysterectomy (before the age of 45), particularly when both ovaries are removed (oophorectomy)
- missing periods for six months or more (excluding pregnancy) as a result of over-exercising or over-dieting
For men:
- low levels of the male hormone, testosterone (hypogonadism)
For men and women:
- long-term use of high dose corticosteroid tablets (for conditions such as arthritis and asthma)
- close family history of osteoporosis (mother or father), particularly if an individual's mother has suffered a hip fracture
- other medical conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, intestinal diseases and liver and thyroid problems
- malabsorption problems (Coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, gastric surgery)
- long-term immobility
- heavy drinking
- smoking
The presence of one or more of these factors puts an individual at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Such individuals should discuss prevention and treatment with their doctor.
Background
| How is it treated? 
Tell us what you think of this information...
Print whole article
|
|
|
|
Donate Now
makingcontact.org
Pounds for parents
Subscribe to the