The most common risk factors for osteoporosis are age, gender, and low body weight. However, there are others as well. Excessive drinking or smoking can be toxic to bone-building cells. Not getting enough calcium or vitamin D. Excessive exercise can lower hormone levels. Low levels of estrogen are a risk factor for osteoporosis. Drinking over three cups of coffee daily can disrupt calcium absorption and cause bone loss. Some chronic illnesses can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis and hyperthyroidism. Medications that increase risk are steroid tablets taken for more than three months and anti-epileptic drugs.
Key Takeaways:
- Being old and female aren’t the only risk factors for fragile bones – that extra coffee and gym session can cause havoc too.
- We take them for granted, but our skeletons hold us together – and if we don’t look after them, they could break.
- Many of those with osteoporosis – in which the inner mesh of tiny struts of bone becomes thin, fragile and prone to break after a minor bump, are unaware they have the condition until their first fracture (usually of a wrist, hip or spinal bone).
“There are about 300,000 fragility fractures every year in the UK, and a shocking 1,150 people are dying every month as a result of hip fractures.”
https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/health-concerns/8-things-you-didnt-know-gave-you-osteoporosis-11363938206805&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGmU0N2NhMzY3ZTc4ODMzY2U6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGa0POcWhAikKfH_Ksk0v65-RZ7Sw