Osteoporosis is when bones become weak and brittle. If left unchecked, it can lead to bone breaks ( fracture). Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist.
Throughout life, old bone is removed and new bone is added to the skeleton. During childhood and adolescence, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. As a result, bones become heavier, larger, and denser. Peak bone mass is reached at around age 30. From that point, more bone is lost than replaced. If not treated, bone losses may lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more likely to occur if full bone mass was not achieved during the bone-building years.
Bone density also plays a role in bone health. Bone density is determined by the amount of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals within the bone framework. As the mineral content of a bone (especially calcium) decreases, the bone weakens. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D and exercising regularly can keep bones strong throughout life.
There are many risk factors that may increase your chance of developing osteoporosis. Some of the risk factors include:
Age (risk increases with age)
Low weight
Smoking
Alcohol abuse
History of falls
Certain conditions, such as:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes
Asthma
Liver disease
Eating disorder
Depression
Crohn's disease
Use of certain medicines (eg, antidepressants, warfarin (coumadin), long-term heparin, corticosteroids, thyroid medicine, anticonvulsants, antacids)
Low hormone levels (low estrogen levels in women, low testosterone levels in men)
Inactive lifestyle
Certain restrictive diets (eg, not getting enough calcium or vitamin D)
Too little sunlight (The effect of sun on the skin is a primary source of vitamin D.)
Cancer, including lymphoma and multiple myeloma
More women than men develop osteoporosis. Some specific risk factors that affect women include:
Family history of osteoporosis
Postmenopausal
Amenorrhea (no menstrual periods)
Gastrointestinal malabsorption
Having another endocrine disorder (eg, thyroid disorder, diabetes)
