Causes of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones thin and become weak and brittle. The bones also lose their density which causes slumping of the back. One cause of osteoporosis is a deficiency in calcium and phosphate. These two minerals are vital to developing strong, healthy bones. Another cause of osteoporosis is a long period of bed rest, being confined to a bed. Bone cancer, Cushing syndrome, and menopause can also be responsible for the onset of osteoporosis. Other possible causes are medications that contain corticosteroids, hyperthyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism.
Who is at Risk?
Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. This is greatly due to changes in hormone levels, especially estrogen, during menopause. In men, a decrease in testosterone can also bring on osteoporosis over the age of fifty. Other risk factors include early menopause, excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, eating disorders, and a low body weight.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Symptoms of osteoporosis are bone, back, and neck pain. Another symptom of osteoporosis is easily fractured bones. This happens often when bones thin and become more delicate. A loss in height is another sign of osteoporosis.
Treatments
Exercise, diet and certain lifestyle changes can help to treat osteoporosis. Treatment may be sought from a physician to control pain, slow down bone loss, and prevent future fracturing of bones. This treatment may come in the form of perscription drugs like bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and raloxifene. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may also be used.
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