The National Library of Medicine reports an estimated one out of five American women over 50 years old has osteoporosis. This disorder is characterized by weakening and brittleness of the bones. Osteoporosis may affect men however; females have a higher risk for developing the disease due to body structure and hormonal fluctuations.
Loss of Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral important for maintaining bone health. Calcium also aids in heart health and proper functioning of the muscles. Bones contain calcium and when the daily diet does not contain the recommended amounts of calcium, the body borrows the existing calcium in bone to nourish the other organs. Over time, this reduces bone strength, eventually leading to osteoporosis. Women experiencing nutritional changes during pregnancy or menopause may have increased risk of calcium deficiency as well as women with diets low in calcium rich foods. The National Institute of Arthritis and Muscoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIAMS, explains that an inadequate supply of calcium contributes to the development of osteoporosis.
Inactivity
Women prone to smaller body structure tend to have low bone density. A sedentary lifestyle compounded with the smaller frame increases the risk of bone loss. Weight bearing exercises such as jogging or climbing help the body to work against gravity, which builds stronger bones. The National Osteoporosis Foundation indicates that bones become stronger with daily exercise and this diminishes risk of developing osteoporosis.
Absence of Menstruation
Amenorrhea, the absence of menstruation may lead to osteoporosis. Missing or irregular periods often signify low estrogen levels. The lack of normal estrogen in the body may compromise bone health. Women may experience amenorrhea due to excessive exercise leading to lower body fat or through eating too few calories. Lack of appropriate body fat stops the production of estrogen, thus affecting menstruation. Amenorrhea may also develop due to other medical conditions. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends physician consultation for women experiencing irregular or missed periods.
Alcohol Abuse
Heavy use of alcohol can reduce the formation of bones. Additionally, regular abuse of alcohol may also prevent normal intake of calcium due to poor nutrition habits. NIAMS indicates that women prone to excessive alcohol use are more likely to develop osteoporosis due to increased risk of falling and fracturing bones, in addition to poor nutritional habits.
Lowered Estrogen
Women experiencing pregnancy or menopause have an increased risk of osteoporosis due to hormonal changes impacting estrogen levels. Estrogen is important for protecting bones and maintaining bone density. Women going through menopause early have an increased risk of osteoporosis due to the lowered estrogen levels. The National Osteoporosis Foundation also explains that removed ovaries has a similar impact on lowering estrogen and may lead to the disease.
Poor Nutrition
Food and vitamins offer the body a means for staying alive but also impact bone health. Foods that supply calcium, vitamins and protein on a daily basis contribute to good bone health. Poor nutrition habits have a direct impact on depleting the body of essential nutrients. Eating foods high in salt, fats and caffeine may lead to bone loss. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the risk of bone fractures increases with using soft drinks loaded with sodium and caffeine.
Other Medical Conditions
Additional medical conditions that increase risk to bone health include hyperthyroidism, Crohn's disease and eating disorders. Hyperthyroidism causes too much thyroid hormone production, leading to weak muscles and fragile bones. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that often results in difficulty with absorbing calcium and vitamin D. Eating disorders impact nutritional habits, further leading to loss of estrogen and poor calcium intake.
