Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to gradually thin and weaken, leaving them vulnerable to fractures. There are usually no signs or symptoms, and only after a fracture happens is it diagnosed.
Osteoporosis usually affects women mid to late in life and it is thought to be caused by a loss in estrogen. Osteoporosis it is not a issue just for women, men can also develop it as well.
Examples of risk factors associated with osteoporosis include:
- Inadequate amounts calcium
- Low vitamin D levels
- Smoking
- More than two alcoholic drinks a day
- Caffeine intake of more than three cups of coffee a day
- Lack of physical activity
- Early menopause
- Loss of menstrual period associated with reduced production of estrogen
- Long-term use of certain medications such as corticosteroids
- Thyroid disease or an overactive thyroid gland
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic liver and kidney disease
