Various factors contribute to the risk of developing osteoporosis. Some of these factors include:
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Lifestyle
- Being older than 65 years
- Having broken a bone after the age of 50
- A close relative having broken a bone or having osteoporosis
- Poor or fair health
- Smoking
- Being underweight for a specific height
- Menopause before the age of 45
- Not getting in enough calcium
- More than two drinks of alcohol several times a week
- Poor vision
- Not being physically active
Medical conditions
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic lung disease
- Cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic hepatic or renal disease
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Cushing’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Medications
- Oral glucocorticoids (steroids)
- Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)
- Thyroid medicine
- Antiepileptic medications
- Gonadal hormone suppression
- Immunosuppressive agents
Suffering from
- Rickets and osteomalacia
- Kidney disease
- Paget’s disease of bone
- Genetic abnormalities
- Endocrine disorders
- Cushing’s disease
Try the Risk Assessment
Osteoporosis in men
Even though women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, men are also at risk. Osteoporosis in men can be a symptom of various elements:
Testosterone deficiency
Men who lack an enzyme to make small amounts of estrogen to build bone mass are prone to getting osteoporosis. Estrogen – though it doesn’t circulate high in men, is a critical factor for bone health.
Low calcium and vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D are necessary in the process of replacing bone cells and making new bone. It’s imperative that these minerals be incorporated daily to assist with solid bone density.
Not exercising
If you aren’t exercising, bones as well as muscles weaken. Studies have shown that exercising – even just 30 minutes a day – boosts bone mass. Walking or jogging can increase bone density in the hips.
Medical conditions
A number of diseases can lead to low bone mass, from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and digestive or blood disorders. It’s crucial to maximise your diet and exercise in order to maintain bone health.
Smoking
Smokers are prone to lower bone mineral density and have a 55% higher risk of hip fractures than non-smokers.
Living with male osteoporosis
If diagnosed with osteoporosis, exercising and taking calcium on a daily basis will improve bone mass density tremendously.