Osteoporosis is a disease of decreased bone mass. This makes the bones frail and subject to fracture. A person may lose height and develop a hunched posture. It is typically a disease of the elderly, particularly in women after menopause, but can develop in younger people as well. A number of specific causes have been linked to osteoporosis in pre-menopausal women.
Hormone Disorders
Imbalances of certain hormones can lead to osteoporosis. Excess hormone production from the parathyroid or thyroid glands leads to the breakdown of bone. Low estrogen levels encourage bone breakdown to exceed new bone formation, causing osteoporosis. Likewise, any syndrome or problem that interferes with the ovaries producing estrogen will lead to the loss of bone mass.
Another syndrome that can cause osteoporosis is Cushing syndrome, in which cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland, is too high. Alternatively, adrenal insufficiency in which the adrenal glands do not make enough hormones can also lead to the disease. Type 1 diabetes has also been associated with osteoporosis.
Inadequate Nutrition
Inadequate nutrition also leads to osteoporosis in pre-menopausal women. Inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake can lead to osteoporosis. In addition, any disorder that decreases the absorption of these from the gastrointestinal tract can lead to osteoporosis, such as chronic diarrhea. Other disorders that lower calcium in the blood stream can also cause osteoporosis. For example, some syndromes cause the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of calcium.
Medications and Toxins
The most common cause of medication-induced osteoporosis in younger women is the class of medications called glucocorticoids. These drugs are used to treat many conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases involving an overly active immune system. Anti-convulsants used to treat seizures, thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism, alcohol, tobacco, lithium used to treat bipolar disorder and aluminum have all been linked to the development of osteoporosis.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S. Fauci et al; 17th Ed.; 2008
- "Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar; 8th Ed.; 2009
