Osteoporosis causes the bones to become weak and brittle. Minor falls or mild stress on the bones can cause a fracture, and even coughing and bending can lead to a fracture in severe cases. These fractures are typically seen in the hip area, spine, or wrist. While it affects both men and women, women are at a higher risk of developing the condition after menopause. This article lists some of the main causes of osteoporosis:

1. Lack of estrogen
This is the main cause of osteoporosis among a majority of women. Bone loss speeds up after menopause as women experience a drop in estrogen levels. This increases their risk of developing the condition as the body loses more bone than it replaces. Women who have had both ovaries surgically removed are also at risk of developing osteoporosis.

2. Long-term usage of steroids
Steroids or corticosteroids are prescribed for treating several conditions, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and colitis. While they are helpful anti-inflammatory medicines, excessive use of steroids can increase one’s risk of developing osteoporosis as they may cause bone loss and lead to an increase in bone fractures. While they may not always be the reason, long-term usage of these medicines one of the main causes of osteoporosis.

3. Smoking cigarettes or following a poor diet
Smoking tobacco is highly toxic, and it significantly affects bone health. It lowers estrogen levels in women, leading to early-onset menopause. Nicotine also affects the body’s ability to use estrogen, calcium, and vitamin D. Similarly, following a diet low in calcium and vitamin D can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Eating disorders can also contribute to osteoporosis development as restricted food intake and being underweight weakens bone health.

4. Lack of strength training
Research shows that exercise significantly helps with bone strength. A sedentary lifestyle or conditions like paralysis or muscular dystrophy can cause rapid bone loss, making them some of the main causes of osteoporosis. One can take up weight-bearing exercises that put gentle stress on the bones to help improve bone health, especially in the legs, hips, and lower spine. These include walking, jogging, running, stair climbing, skipping rope, skiing, and impact-producing sports. On the other hand, strength training exercises can help strengthen the bones and muscles in the arms and upper spine.

5. Family history
Having a close relative or a family member with osteoporosis increases an individual’s risk of developing it. Certain factors that affect bone development may be inherited. A genetic disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta may put one at a higher risk of getting osteoporosis. Nearly everyone with this condition has osteoporosis as they do not develop appropriate bone mass.

As one ages, it is important to keep a tab on their diet and dedicate time to getting regular exercise to improve and maintain bone health.