Risk factors for osteoporosis

Hormonal decline due to aging, genetics from relatives, smoking habits, and heavy alcohol consumption all contribute to increased risk of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is the most common cause of bone fractures in people over 70. It occurs due to an imbalance between bone resorption (the breakdown of bone minerals) and new bone formation during bone remodeling. This causes bones to become thin, brittle, and prone to fracture.

One of the main causes of disrupted bone remodeling is changes in hormone levels due to aging. Typically, estrogen levels naturally decrease after menopause, leading to more bone loss than bone formation.

The natural increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) in both men and women as they age also causes calcium to leave the bones and enter the blood, leading to bone mineral loss. As a result, osteoporosis usually affects people over the age of 50.

In addition to age, there are many other factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis, including:

Female

Women over 50 years old, after menopause, are at higher risk of osteoporosis than men. The reason is not only due to the decrease in estrogen during menopause but also because they tend to have smaller bone frames.

Women, especially those over 50, are at higher risk of osteoporosis than men. Photo: Quynh Tran — Women, especially those over 50, are at higher risk of osteoporosis than men. Photo: *Quynh Tran*

Malnutrition

Malnutrition plays a major role in osteoporosis because the body lacks the nutrients needed to maintain bone health, especially calcium and vitamin D. Inadequate protein intake also contributes to osteoporosis-related fractures, by reducing bone mineral density and the muscle strength needed to support weak bones.

Smoking

Smoking reduces blood flow necessary for bone resorption and formation, leading to imperfect bone formation. Smoking also indirectly affects bone density by reducing calcium absorption and altering estrogen and parathyroid hormone levels.

Studies show that osteoporosis is more common in smokers than in non-smokers.

Alcohol abuse

Regular heavy drinking reduces bone density and interferes with the production of vitamin D, which is needed to absorb calcium. Without enough calcium, bone formation is impaired. Alcohol abuse can also reduce estrogen levels in women and testosterone in men, both of which contribute to bone mineral loss and impaired bone remodeling.

Chronic disease

Any chronic condition that interferes with bone remodeling can contribute to osteoporosis. Conditions such as cancer, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. can cause nutritional deficiencies, interfere with calcium or vitamin D absorption, alter hormone levels, or cause chronic inflammation that disrupts the normal production of bone-destroying cells.

Medicine

Many medications can affect bone metabolism. Some affect hormone levels, inhibit calcium absorption, disrupt the balance between vitamin D and calcium, or interfere with bone resorption.

Hereditary

Osteoporosis has a genetic component. A British study of more than 1,000 individuals and 12,000 twins found that 46-92% of cases of bone mineral density loss are related to genetics. People with a close relative, such as a parent, child, or sibling, with osteoporosis have a 400% increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. However, researchers are not sure which gene or combination of genes causes the disease and how.

Experts recommend osteoporosis screening for all women aged 65 and older, and postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors for the disease.

To prevent osteoporosis and the risk of fractures, people should maintain a diet that includes the recommended daily intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, and take supplements if vitamin D levels are low. Regular exercise helps build and strengthen bones. Limit alcohol and smoking.

Mr. Ngoc (According to Verywell Health )

Source link