Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that weakens the bone density or the degree of bone tissue in the body, increasing one’s susceptibility to developing fractures. Weak bones tend to break easily, even from a simple fall. This bone disorder is the prime cause of fractures in the pelvis, hip, spine, and wrist in older adults. But, what are the main causes of osteoporosis? Read on to find out.

1. Low estrogen level in women and low testosterone level in men
Estrogen deficiency in women is one of the main causes of osteoporosis. Once women reach menopause, bone loss accelerates as the women experience a quick drop in estrogen levels. With time, the fracture and osteoporosis risk increase as women lose more bone than their bodies can replace. At the same time, younger women, including girls with eating disorders or athletic girls, also have poor bone density. Another cause of osteoporosis includes having both the ovaries surgically removed. It is known as bilateral oophorectomy and might result in low bone density and osteoporosis.

Men, too, need both testosterone and estrogen for their bone health, as testosterone is converted to bone-preserving estrogen. Therefore, while examining men for osteoporosis, testosterone levels are tested first.

2. Medical conditions
Gastrointestinal issues, hormonal diseases, and endocrine diseases are all possible causes of osteoporosis. Some of the health conditions that aggravate osteoporosis risk include AIDS, HIV, anorexia, and cancers.

3. Steroid
Steroids help in the treatment of several different inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Steroids, especially those taken orally, tend to hamper bone production by lowering the degree of calcium absorbed by the gut and increasing calcium loss via the kidneys. Therefore, if you require steroids like prednisolone for over three months, your doctor will suggest Vitamin D and calcium tablets, along with other medicines, to keep osteoporosis in check.

4. Age
Another one of the vital osteoporosis risk factors is age. All through your life, the body breaks down old bones, and new ones grow. However, in your 30s, the bone breakdown happens faster than what the body can replace. This results in bones that are brittle and fragile, making them susceptible to easy breaking and fractures.

5. Calcium deficiency
Our bones constantly lose minerals, but these minerals are also replaced in no time. Calcium is vital for your bone strength. Moreover, it is required in the blood for the body’s organs. If the body does not have enough calcium in the blood, the blood will consume the bone’s stored calcium. When that happens, the bones become brittle, which can lead to osteoporosis. A calcium-rich diet and calcium supplements are vital for maintaining adequate calcium in the bones and the bone’s mineral stores, thereby preventing osteoporosis.