What Causes Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken. Weakened bones can increase the risk of serious bone fractures. Severe osteoporosis can create such dramatic bone loss that even normal stress on bones from standing, sitting or even coughing can cause fractures that are extremely painful and lead to immobility. Although the disease is much more common in older women, it can affect anyone -- regardless of age and gender. Because osteoporosis sufferers may show no visible signs for many years, it can go untreated. There are many contributing factors that cause osteoporosis. Some are under your control, and some are not.

Gender-Related Causes of Osteoporosis

• Being a woman. Women are much more likely to get osteoporosis.

  Being post-menopausal. Estrogen helps prevent bone loss. After menopause, a woman's body makes less estrogen, and bone loss can be greater.

Heredity-Related Causes of Osteoporosis

• Your family history. Your risk of getting osteoporosis is higher if others in your family suffered from the disease.

  Being of Asian or European decent. These racial groups are more prone to osteoporosis.

General Causes of Osteoporosis

• Getting older. The Risk for osteoporosis increases with age.

  Being thin. Slender people are more likely to get osteoporosis.

Things You Should Avoid to Prevent Osteoporosis

• Don't smoke. Smoking can make you more susceptible to osteoporosis.

  Don't drink too much alcohol. Alcohol can have an adverse effect on bone density.

Things You Can Do to Prevent Osteoporosis

• Participate in weight-bearing exercise. Weight training helps protect bones against osteoporosis.

  Make sure you are getting enough Calcium and Vitamin D in your diet. These vitamins help protect the body against bone loss.