Causes of Secondary Osteoporosis
Primary osteoporosis is a occurs due to aging and a genetic predisposition towards the disease. It occasionally happens in young people, due to poor bone formation or an impairment in the cycle of bone growth and resorption. Secondary osteoporosis refers to osteoporosis caused by factors like another illness, medications, and dietary practices. It may occur separately from or in combination with primary osteoporosis.
Let’s look at some of the causes of secondary osteoporosis.
Hormonal Changes
Women who suffer from anorexia or bulimia often have abnormal menstrual cycles. This coupled with poor nutrition may result in bone loss. Thin female athletes who have irregular or absent menses are at risk, too.
Women whose menstrual periods begin in their mid to late teens have a higher risk of osteoporosis when they are adults, compared with women whose menses began in their early teens.
Women lose the most bone mass in the first years after menopause. This is especially apparent if menopause occurs early, is due to surgical removal of the ovaries, or related to chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
In men, low testosterone levels may result in osteoporosis. Additionally, individuals who have abnormally formed testes or ovaries may not produce adequate amounts of bone-protecting hormones.
People who have a diagnosis of Turner’s or Klinefelter’s syndromes are also at risk for developing osteoporosis.
Dietary Impacts on Osteoporosis
A low calcium or caloric intake may not provide enough calcium and nutrients bones need to remain healthy. Even small deficits of calcium can produce bone-harming effects if the lack occurs for a long period of time.
Inadequate intake of vitamin D may prevent calcium from being absorbed. It may lead to other health problems that promote bone loss in addition to increasing the rate of bone destruction.
On the other hand, too much vitamin A can cause bone loss.
