What Are 3 Common Osteoporosis Causes?

Osteoporosis can transform a simple fall from an injury to a traumatic break. This disease occurs when bones become less dense, which typically occurs as you age. This makes them brittle and much more susceptible to a serious fracture, even after the slightest injury. Bone density scans —like those offered at Cary Medical Group – can help detect osteoporosis early so we can craft a treatment plan for you. 

But have you ever wondered what the common osteoporosis causes are? We delve into this topic and look at factors that put you at greater risk for the disease. 

What Are 3 Common Osteoporosis Causes?

1. Hormonal Changes

This occurs most often in women. As they approach menopause, their bodies produce less estrogen; low estrogen is an osteoporosis cause. Sometimes, a low testosterone level in men can contribute to developing the disorder. 

Because your thyroid plays a large role in regulating hormones, any thyroid issues can result in the gradual development of osteoporosis.

2. Age

As we age, our bones become less dense. Therefore, the older you are, the more likely you are to develop osteoporosis.

Most people don’t realize that throughout your life, you are constantly losing bone tissue and creating new tissue. As you age, less new bone is being created. This can be a direct osteoporosis cause. 

3. Dietary Issues

Another osteoporosis cause is failure to get the nutrients your body needs for healthy bone growth. Diets that are low in calcium are major contributors. If you’ve had weight loss surgery, you may be at risk because this procedure reduces the amount of nutrients absorbed by your body. 

What Are 3 Risk Factors of Osteoporosis and Who Is at Highest Risk for Osteoporosis?

Anyone can develop osteoporosis. It doesn’t matter what ethnic group, race or gender. However, there are certain people who are at greater risk for developing it. We’ll look at three risk factors:

1. Being Female 

In many cases, osteoporosis develops in the years before menopause. Osteoporosis affects women more than men. In fact, among women, those who are non-Hispanic/white and Asian have the greatest risk. 

2. Those who are taking certain medications

Medications used to treat cancer or certain steroids can increase your risk. 

3. Smaller bone frame

Those who have thinner bones are more likely to have a fracture due to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Statistics

You may be surprised to discover how prevalent osteoporosis is, and the impact it has on society. 

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:

• An estimated 54 million Americans have osteoporosis
• 1 in 2 women and up to 1 in 4 men who are over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis
• The disease is responsible for two million broken bones every year.
• Osteoporosis causes roughly $19 billion in related costs every year.
• By 2025, researchers believe these statistics will increase to three million fractures and $25 billion in costs

Our Internal Medicine Physicians in Cary Can Discover and Treat Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis often doesn’t show any symptoms. In fact, most people don’t realize they have it until they have experienced a serious fracture. By conducting a bone density test, we can determine your risk.

Have you had bone density testing? Do you have any of the risk factors for osteoporosis? If so, you should contact us to schedule an appointment today.