Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs in many women and men.
It is very common for the progression of osteoporosis to result in various types of bone fractures and serious bone breaks after the disease has progressed.
When someone first develops osteoporosis, it is not uncommon for them to experience a lack of symptoms and to be unaware that the disease has developed.
But as the disease continues to develop, symptoms will start becoming more apparent.
Currently, doctors do not know the exact causes of the disease although there are certain risk factors that are apparent.
There are a lot of different factors that can increase someone's risk of developing this disease.
Some of the factors a person may be able to alter and some factors, a person has no control over.
Low calcium intake is one of the factors that can be addressed.
It is important for a person to have a high calcium intake so their bones will not become thin.
If the calcium intake is low, that could lead to weak bones and therefore, a more likely chance to experience fractures.
Calcium and other mineral supplements can help support bone health and lower the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Tobacco use is another risk factor that is changeable.
Studies have shown that tobacco helps weaken the bones.
Those who develop eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, have a higher risk of losing bone density, since poor nutrition leads to low calcium levels in the body.
Also, people can eliminate the risk factor of living a sedentary lifestyle by engaging in proper exercise throughout their lifetime.
Studies show that a person who participates in weight bearing exercises has a lower chance of developing the disease than someone who does not take part in any type of physical activity.
Excessive alcohol consumption is also a risk factor that can be altered.
The use of alcohol can inhibit the body from absorbing properly absorbing calcium which may lead to the development of osteoporosis.
They are at least several factors that cannot be hereditary and generally unchangeable.
Women are at a higher risk than men to develop the disease.
Also, age related disease is another risk.
It has been shown that Asian and white women are at a higher risk than any other ethnic group.
Body frame history, frame size and the condition of a person's thyroid hormones are other risk factors for osteoporosis.
Lastly, various medical conditions and surgeries that are related to the skeleton and bones can be risk factors as well.
It's important for everyone over 50 to discuss this condition with a physician and to undergo screening such as a bone density test which can detect the disease early.