|  | Conditions Treatments | Osteoporosis

What Is the Main Cause of Osteoporosis?

To understand the main cause of osteoporosis, it is important to understand exactly what it is. The word osteoporosis translates to "porous bones." These porous bones cannot hold important vitamins and minerals necessary for keeping bones strong and the body standing strong.

  1. Mineral Deficiency

    • The main cause of osteoporosis stems from porous bones that become weak and brittle, but how do they become porous? Bone density decreases when there isn't enough vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D in the body for the bones to absorb. Without minerals and vitamins, the bones become increasingly weak and brittle.

    Low Estrogen Levels in Women

    • Osteoporosis is also more likely in women with low levels of estrogen. When women go through menopause, their estrogen levels drop and chances for osteoporosis increase. As we age, bone density naturally decreases but when that is coupled with a dip in estrogen levels, the chances of osteoporosis are very high.

      Any time there is a lowered level of estrogen there is an elevated risk of osteoporosis. This means that women of any age can be at risk if they have lower than normal levels of estrogen.

    Low Testosterone Levels in Men

    • It is a common misconception that osteoporosis is strictly a disease that affects only women; even though it is common in women, men can be affected by it as well. Testosterone converts into estrogen, which in turn helps keep bones strong. When men have lower testosterone levels, they will not produce enough estrogen to build and maintain strong bones.

    Lack of Calcium and Vitamin D

    • Calcium builds strong bones. Bones absorb and store calcium so if there is not enough calcium in the body for the bones to absorb, the result is brittle bones and osteoporosis. Other organs in the body also crave calcium. If there is a deficiency in the body the other organs will "steal" it from the bones leaving them weakened. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium--with no vitamin D there is no calcium absorption resulting in weakened, brittle bones.

    Inactivity

    • Those who lead less active lifestyles are more susceptible to osteoporosis. When bones are not regularly worked and exercised along with the rest of the body they become weak. It is important to maintain an active lifestyle not only for physical well-being, but for the well-being of the bones.

    Other Causes and Prevention

    • Other possible causes of osteoporosis include smoking, certain medications and excessive alcohol consumption.

      Even though there are many causes of osteoporosis there are ways to rebuild the bones and prevent osteoporosis. Getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D, checking hormone levels regularly, not smoking and/or quitting and maintaining an active lifestyle will all help keep bones strong.

Osteoporosis - Related Articles