7 Causes of Osteoporosis and How to Overcome It
Osteoporosis can occur in anyone from young to old. The cause is not only due to the age factor. There are other causes such as an unhealthy lifestyle to certain diseases.
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that turns brittle and weak. Because of its fragility, it is very risky to experience fractures when coughing, bending and falling. Fractures that often occur due to osteoporosis are usually in the hips, wrists and spine.
At first the symptoms of osteoporosis can have no symptoms, but after the bones weaken, these signs will occur such as back pain, gradual loss of height, hunched posture, easier fractures, shortness of breath, and lower back pain.
Causes of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs as we age and bones lose their ability to regrow. Bone is a living tissue like the rest of the body that is constantly replacing its own cells and tissues.
Bones are constantly renewing and new bone is formed while old bone is broken down. At a young age, the body can make new bone faster than it breaks down old bone and bone mass increases.
However, this process slows down as we age, with most people reaching their peak bone mass by the age of 30. As we age too, bone mass is lost faster than it is built up.
It is worth noting now that some people can develop osteoporosis and lose bone faster than it is made. Anyone, both men and women and not just the elderly but young people can also be affected. Then what exactly causes osteoporosis, see the explanation below.
1. Age
Age is clearly the main factor causing osteoporosis in general. Those aged 50 years and over are most at risk.
The cause of osteoporosis in old age is due to an imbalance in the bone remodeling process due to resorption or overhaul of old and damaged bone tissue exceeding the production of new bone tissue in the body.
This occurs due to decreased absorption of vitamin D in the elderly body. It can also be due to the consumption of drugs and certain concomitant diseases.
2. Menopause
Osteoporosis is more common in women than men. Menopause is one of the causes of osteoporosis that often occurs in women aged 45 to 55 years.
Changes in estrogen hormone levels in women who get older and have menopause can cause the body to lose bone faster.
3. Hormone problems
Osteoporosis is more common in people who have too much or too little of certain hormones in their body. For example:
- Sex hormones: Decreased levels of sex hormones tend to weaken bones. The decrease in estrogen levels in women at menopause as discussed above is one of the strongest risk factors for osteoporosis. Prostate cancer treatment which lowers testosterone levels in men and breast cancer treatment which lowers estrogen levels in women tend to accelerate bone loss.
- Thyroid problems: Too much thyroid hormone can cause bone loss. This can happen if the thyroid is overactive or if too much thyroid hormone medication is taken to treat an underactive thyroid.
- Other glands: Osteoporosis is also associated with overactive parathyroid and adrenal glands.
4. Calcium and vitamin D deficiency
Lifelong calcium deficiency plays a role in the development of osteoporosis. Low calcium intake contributes to reduced bone density, early bone loss, and increased risk of fractures.
Eating foods that contain calcium is excellent in preventing osteoporosis such as green leafy vegetables and dairy products.
Meanwhile, vitamin D is also very important for maintaining bone health and bone strength because vitamin D will help the body to absorb calcium from food optimally. The body makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. You can also consume milk, oranges, yogurt, cheese and cereals rich in vitamin D.
5. Steroid and other drugs.
Long-term use of oral or injected corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone and cortisone, interferes with the bone rebuilding process. Osteoporosis is also associated with drugs used to treat or prevent seizures, acid reflux and cancer.
6. Unhealthy lifestyle
Unhealthy lifestyles such as the habits below can cause osteoporosis, what are they?
- Lack of movement or physical activity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
7. Certain medical conditions
People who have the following diseases will be more at risk of osteoporosis, including: celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, cancer, multiple myeloma and rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Heredity
Osteoporosis can occur due to heredity. Those of you who have a family history of osteoporosis and a history of parents who have hip fractures will have a high risk of developing osteoporosis.
How to treat osteoporosis
There is no single treatment for osteoporosis. Treatment may involve a combination of medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
Doctors will recommend increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D. Not even just from food but adding calcium or vitamin D supplements.
The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that women aged 51 years and older get 1,200 mg of calcium daily, while most adults aged 50 years and older need 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
Taking a multivitamin or supplement can help get adequate amounts of these nutrients if not getting them from food alone.
- Lifestyle changes
You can avoid alcohol and cigarettes which can clearly cause bone loss. Also increase physical activity, don't just lie down. Do exercise regularly. Walking, yoga, pilates are also very helpful in preventing osteoporosis.
When to see a doctor?
Consult a doctor about osteoporosis if you experience early menopause or take corticosteroids for several months, or if one of your parents has a hip fracture.
Thank you for reading this article. Have a nice day.
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