Causes:
Osteoporosis is commonly a natural occurrence of aging. We all lose bone mass as we grow older but, as mentioned above, women tend to have higher incidences of this condition.
Reduced estrogen levels also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Many women who enter menopause often go on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to offset their declining estrogen levels. However, natural alternatives exist. See Remedies -- Foods, below.
Smoking, drinking, caffeine, and high-sodium foods all leech essential minerals from your body, depriving your skeletal structure of the nutrients it needs to maintain proper bone mass.
Those who are immobilized may also develop this condition, referred to as disuse osteoporosis. Those who have an excessive blood plasma concentration of a hormone that promotes bone resorption and those who are deficient in a hormone that promotes bone formation are also at risk.
As mentioned previously, chronic rheumatoid arthritis increases your risk of developing osteoporosis. Other causes include endocrine diseases (particularly thyroid), gastrointestinal diseases, bone marrow disorders, connective tissue disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What to Expect:
With a decreasing bone mass, the skeletal structure becomes weak and brittle over time. You must be extremely careful and diligent in avoiding slips and falls. Hip fractures are quite common and may be fatal.
