Osteoporosis is caused by the failure of bone cells to regenerate the subsequent result is bone loss. Osteoporosis is a complex condition that occurs over a long period and is precipitated by several factors. There are two classes of factors that cause this condition. The first category includes causes that are natural and the second category consists of artificial causes. The second category features causes that could be prevented.
Natural Cause of Osteoporosis
Menopause is leading factor that causes this condition. Although it may occur before the onset of menopause, the chances of this condition occurring after this period increase dramatically because of the inability to produce estrogen. This implies that less bone is formed.
Osteoporotic bone
Age is another factor that marks the onset of osteoporosis. The older one gets the higher the effect of this condition. The amount of bone that a person losses increases with age. Conversely, the amount of bone regenerated reduces at an equally increasing age. Similarly, the prevalence of osteoporosis is higher in people of European descent. Although, Indians and Africans also suffer from osteoporosis, the effect is less as compared to their Caucasian counterparts. People born in families that have had people suffer from osteoporosis could also suffer the same fate. This is due to the hereditary nature of the condition.
Artificial Causes of Osteoporosis
Women are also at higher risk of developing this condition earlier if they have a hysterectomy performed a process that involves the removal of the ovaries. It is one of the procedures involved in the treatment of ovarian or cervical cancer. Use of some prescriptions could also increase the chances of one having reduced bone mass while at the same time hindering the formation of bone. Cortisone based drugs used in the treatment of asthma, arthritis as well as lung disease are some of the drugs known to cause this. Cigarette smoking is another leading cause of osteoporosis. This is because smoking lowers the level of estrogen in the blood hence affecting the process of bone formation.
Since calcium and phosphorous is instrumental in the formation of bones a diet that is deficient in the two elements may induce osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency is equally known to cause this condition. Lack of regular exercise could also lead to one suffering from osteoporosis. This is because, the bones are not subjected to weight bearing activities such as walking hence could easily wear out.