Osteoporosis, which means *porous bones*, is a condition of excessive skeletal fragility resulting in weakened bones that break easily. A combination of genetic, dietary, hormonal, age-related, and lifestyle factors all contribute to this condition. Osteoporosis usually progresses painlessly until a fracture occurs, which is usually in the hip, spine, or wrist.
Overall, approximately eight million American women and two million men have osteoporosis. Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis because of the loss of estrogen at menopause. (Estrogen slows down bone loss.) Over half of all women over the age of 65 have causes of osteoporosis.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS ?
Factors that can increase your chances of developing causes of osteoporosis include :
- Being female
- Having a small, thin body frame
- A family history causes of osteoporosis
- Being post-menopausal or of advanced age
- Being Caucasian or Asian
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
- Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- Low testosterone levels in men
- Lack of calcium and vitamin D
- Inactive lifestyle
- Long-term use of some medications prescribed for arthritis, asthma, and lupus, anti-seizure medications, aluminum-containing antacids, and certain cancer treatments.
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol and high salt, protein, and caffeine intake
By Chris Chenoweth
