Osteoporosis is a common ailment that affects women mostly. The disease leads to thin, porous, and weakened bones, making them at risk of fractures and breaks.
It’s necessary to understand the factors that may increase the vulnerability of osteoporosis in women for preventive measures and timely treatment. In this article, we’ll discuss the top ten factors that contribute to osteoporosis:.
1. Age
Age is a significant factor because the bone mass decreases with age. In early adulthood, bone rebuilding takes place faster than breaking down giving a stable bone density.
But after the age of 35, the rebuilding process slows down, leading to a decline in bone mass. This decline is more significant in women after menopause due to low estrogen levels.
2. Genetics
Genetics play a crucial role in the risk of osteoporosis. Women whose family members have suffered from osteoporosis are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Moreover, people with a small body frame size may be at greater risk of osteoporosis due to a lower bone mass density.
3. Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalances such as low estrogen, low levels of testosterone, and thyroid disorders are the primary causes of osteoporosis.
Estrogen maintains bone density, and women who have had an early menopause or their uterus removed surgically are at a higher risk of osteoporosis.
4. Nutritional deficiency
Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining overall health, including bone health. Women who don’t have a balanced diet and insufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D are at higher risk.
Additionally, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can interfere with the body’s nutrient absorption, including vitamin D and calcium, leading to a weak skeletal system.
5. Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle with little or no physical activity can lead to weakening bones. Exercise helps in preventing bone loss by maintaining the calcium level in the body, improving muscle strength, and enhancing balance.
Engaging in weight-bearing exercises like walking and running can improve bone density and strength.
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6. Smoking
Smoking is harmful to overall health, and it also has significant effects on bones. Women who smoke have a significant chance of developing osteoporosis due to the decrease in estrogen levels, leading to bone density loss.
Studies have shown that heavier smokers have lower bone mass density than lighter smokers.
7. Medications
Some medications can accelerate bone loss, such as prolonged use of corticosteroid medication, which some women take for treating arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory diseases.
Other medications like diuretics are also known to have an adverse effect on bone health.
8. Medical conditions
Several medical conditions can affect bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Some disorders associated with osteoporosis include inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, celiac disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Women going through chemotherapy may face bone density loss, which leads to osteoporosis.
9. Lack of sunlight exposure
Vitamin D is an essential component for bone health as it helps in calcium absorption. Sun exposure is the primary source of vitamin D.
Lack of sunlight exposure in women living in places with limited sunlight, wearing clothes that cover their bodies, or use of daily sunscreen, can lead to vitamin D deficiency, leading to weak bones.
10. Mental health
A woman’s mental wellbeing can affect her bone health. Women going through stress and anxiety are likely to have bone loss. Moreover, eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia have severe effects on bone health.
Women with anorexia tend to weaken their bones due to a lack of nutrients, and bulimia lowering the calcium levels, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Women should ensure they have a balanced diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, active lifestyle including weight-bearing exercises, avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, exposure to sunlight, and seek preventive care if they have medical conditions that affect bone health.
