Who Should Be Evaluated for Secondary Causes of Osteoporosis?

In secondary osteoporosis, an underlying medical condition or other factors cause bone loss. This is in contrast to primary osteoporosis, which is associated with age, gender, and family history.

Medical Conditions

• People with endocrine disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are at risk for developing secondary osteoporosis. Gastrointestinal diseases and dietary disorders, such as celiac disease or an inability to absorb vitamin D, are also associated with the condition. Liver disease and some cancers also contribute to secondary osteoporosis.

Medications

• Many prescription drugs cause bone loss. For example, anti-rejection drugs for transplant patients are a risk factor for osteoporosis. Corticosteroids used to treat autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease can cause bones loss, as can anticonvulsant drugs and some cancer therapies.

Diet and Substance Abuse

• Dietary or substance abuse habits can contribute to developing secondary osteoporosis. For example, a diet high in animal protein can cause bones loss, while a diet low in calcium and vitamin D inhibits adequate bone production. Smoking and excessive alcohol use are also risk factors.

Identification

• If you are at risk, talk with your doctor. Get regular bone density screenings. If you are not under a doctor's care for a medical condition, tell your doctor about your risk factors.

Prevention/Solution

• Make lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors such as diet or alcohol use. If your risk factors are associated with medical conditions or prescription drugs, make lifestyle and dietary changes to combat bone loss.

Tip

• A healthy diet and adequate exercise can reduce the severity of secondary osteoporosis.