What Is Osteoporosis and What Causes It?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes a person’s bones to thin because of lose of calcium. Over time, this can lead to a loss of bone density, which weakens bones all over the body. It is the most common type of bone disease and it most often afflicts women over the age of 50. However, men over the age of 70 are also at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. The most common cause of osteoporosis in women is a drop in estrogen, which occurs during and after menopause. A drop in testosterone levels in men can also trigger osteoporosis. Some other causes include vitamin D deficiency, bed confinement, kidney disease and certain medications. Additionally, white women, people who do not get enough calcium in their diet and those who have a family history are also at risk of developing osteoporosis. A person may not exhibit any signs or symptoms until he or she is in the advanced stage of the disease. Some of the most common symptoms include loss of height, fractures and stooped post
