Osteoporosis occurs when our body breaks down significantly more bone substance than it builds. Bone loss increases the risk of fractures – which pose a risk, especially in old age. The following causes underlie osteoporosis.
Bone metabolism depends on many factors and can only function properly if, on the one hand, there are stimuli through exercise and sport and, on the other hand, sufficient nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphate and vitamin D are available. However, hormones such as estrogen also play a crucial role in the formation and breakdown of bone substance. In osteoporosis, the balance between building osteoblasts and degrading osteoclasts is disturbed, causing bone substance to demineralize and bone mass to degrade. The following are the most common causes of osteoporosis.
Table of Contents
Osteoporosis: 3 causes
1. Estrogen deficiency
A lack of the female sex hormone estrogen is the most common cause of osteoporosis. Around 90 percent of all cases of bone loss are hormonal, which is why women during and after menopause have a particularly high risk of osteoporosis. Estrogens have a beneficial effect on the constant build-up of new bone mass. If the estrogen production and thus the estrogen level decreases in the course of menopause and the menopause, the bones become brittle. About every third woman is affected after menopause. In men, there is a similar mechanism with the sex hormone testosterone. However , since testosterone levels drop more slowly and less severely with age, men are less likely to be affected by osteoporosis.
2. Nutrient Deficiency
On the other hand, nutrient-related osteoporosis, which is not only due to a lack of calcium in the diet, but often occurs as a result of certain underlying diseases, is much less common. These can be very different: For example, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can severely restrict the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, so that calcium or vitamin D, for example, is not absorbed sufficiently. Likewise, anorexia can be associated with a severely restricted and deficient nutrient intake, so that in the long term more bone substance is broken down than built up.
3. Medication
Unfortunately, cortisone , which is often used for inflammation and pain, has some strong side effects. It not only often leads to weight gain or water retention, but also reduces bone density. Cortisone is therefore a decisive risk factor in the development of osteoporosis. This should always be taken into account in the therapy of underlying diseases such as rheumatism or arthrosis and countermeasures should be taken if necessary. Cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy are similarly at risk . Not only cancer cells, but also healthy body cells and bones can be destroyed.
Important: In addition to these causes, risk factors such as old age, alcohol, cigarettes, lack of exercise, unhealthy nutrition and severe underweight also play a major role in the development of osteoporosis.
