Osteoporosis: 8 risk factors you need to know

The common cause of osteoporosis is the result of an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption.

1. Osteoporosis progresses silently

Osteoporosis in the elderly is a common disease, second only to cardiovascular diseases. Currently, about 1/3 of women and 1/8 of men over 50 years old are at risk of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is the leading cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and the elderly. Osteoporotic fractures can occur in any bone, but are most common in the spine, femur, and wrist. Some fractures may not heal, with the spine and femur being the most difficult to heal, requiring expensive surgery in most cases.

Osteoporosis progresses silently. Often the patient only feels vague body aches, loss of height, and scoliosis. These symptoms are only discovered after a long time. Many cases are only discovered when there are signs of bone fractures.

Osteoporosis gets worse as you get older. As you age, your bone density is not as strong as it was in adulthood. Here's what you need to know about the causes and risk factors for osteoporosis.

Age is a major factor contributing to the development of osteoporosis.

2. Causes and risk factors of osteoporosis

1. Age factor

Age is the main factor contributing to the development of osteoporosis. As we age, our skeletons begin to lose more bone. Most experts recommend osteoporosis screening starting at age 65, especially for women, but people under age 65 who are at high risk of fractures should also start osteoporosis screening earlier.

2. Low estrogen levels and menopause

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, up to 80 percent of people with osteoporosis are women. One of the main reasons is that women tend to have smaller, thinner bones than men. Another reason is that estrogen, a hormone that protects women's bones, drops dramatically as women reach perimenopause and menopause.

3. Low testosterone levels

Osteoporosis is common in men with low testosterone levels, a condition known as hypogonadism. When testosterone levels are low, bone mass is lost over time and eventually leads to weak bones that are susceptible to fractures with even minor trauma.

4. Due to medication

In addition to their therapeutic effects, some medications are also considered to be one of the causes of osteoporosis. For some reason, long-term use of oral and injectable corticosteroids can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Thyroid medications, chemotherapy drugs, and other medications can also lead to the development of osteoporosis.

5. Due to some diseases

Osteoporosis caused by another medical condition is called secondary osteoporosis. Medical conditions associated with osteoporosis include diabetes, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease, malabsorption syndromes, etc.

Long-term use of oral and injectable corticosteroids may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

6. Small body frame and low weight

Women who are thin and petite are at higher risk for osteoporosis. One reason is that they start out with less bone than women who are heavier and have a larger body frame. Similarly, men with smaller bone structures are at higher risk for osteoporosis than men who are larger and heavier.

7. Genetics

A genetic tendency to develop osteoporosis can be seen in family history. You may be more likely to develop osteoporosis if your parents have the disease.

8. Lifestyle risk factors

Many of the risk factors for osteoporosis are beyond our control. However, some lifestyle risk factors are within our control and can be modified, including not getting enough vitamin D and calcium, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol.

In shortThere are many things we can do to protect our bones and it's never too late to take action. The habits you adopt now and in the future can affect your bone health for the rest of your life.

We can protect our bones by getting enough vitamin D and calcium, eating a balanced diet that includes bone-healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables. We should also exercise regularly to keep our bones and muscles strong, avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Remember to spend 15 minutes a day in direct sunlight, which alone will provide enough vitamin D for the body for the day.

When to see a doctor for osteoporosis?

People over 50 years old, especially postmenopausal women, need to be screened for osteoporosis to know how to prevent it.

People with sudden bone fractures and pain anywhere in the body may have osteoporosis./.