“What is the cause of loss of bone density?”
My wife's recent tests have indicated loss of bone density. What could have caused this?
13 Answers
Post menopausal females are at risk for osteoporosis. Studies show that women in their early 30’s should start calcium supplements to stave off osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis has many causes. I would make certain she has had appropriate lab work-up and prescription treatment as needed.
https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/osteoporosis_treatment_care
https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/osteoporosis_treatment_care
Many reasons are behind osteoporosis but these are mainly age, female gender, genetics, Vitamin D deficiency, chronic diseases, disuse osteoporosis etc...
Most likely Hormonal.
Everybody loses bone density as they get older, women faster than men. A healthy diet and lifestyle help to slow down the process.
Hormonal alterations.
There are many causes for this problem. The most common form is osteoporosis secondary to menopause.
There can be several reasons for loss of bone density. However, perhaps it is not a "loss" of bone density, but rather maybe she never had very dense bones (and it was just discovered during a test). There is a genetic component to low bone density (her parents may have this trait and passed it on to her).
It has been shown that impact exercises and activities can increase bone density. Sedentary people will have less dense bones. Most bone density is created and established during adolescence and young adulthood. Therefore, it is important to keep young people active. In middle age and adulthood, the correct exercises can increase bone density, or slow the loss of bone density. Sometimes diet can affect the density of the bones. Other times, diseases or medications can affect the density of bones.
The best advice is to do controlled weight-bearing exercises that strengthen bones without damaging the joints. Do not overdo it; listen to your body, and consult with your doctor.
David T. Neuman, MD
It has been shown that impact exercises and activities can increase bone density. Sedentary people will have less dense bones. Most bone density is created and established during adolescence and young adulthood. Therefore, it is important to keep young people active. In middle age and adulthood, the correct exercises can increase bone density, or slow the loss of bone density. Sometimes diet can affect the density of the bones. Other times, diseases or medications can affect the density of bones.
The best advice is to do controlled weight-bearing exercises that strengthen bones without damaging the joints. Do not overdo it; listen to your body, and consult with your doctor.
David T. Neuman, MD
James W. Cahill
Orthopedist
There are many causes of loss of bone density. The most common in women is hormonal. A lack of estrogen results in an overall decrease in bone density. Calcium is also lost at a higher rate. Certain medications and kidney disease can also be causative. A bone densitometry study and a comprehensive evaluation from your wife’s internist would be a good idea.
The list of causes for decreased bone density is extensive. The primary reason people lose bone density is being a post-menopausal female and a decrease in daily wt-bearing activities, including resistance exercises. This does NOT mean swimming; if this patient has no other basic etiologies such as non-dairy intake, petite frame with genetic predisposition (mother has osteoporosis? And multiple fractures?), GI malabsorption issues, poor protein intake, then it all boils down to resistance exercises that will help rebuild bone density. Bone mass is a function of what we are born with, our genetics, our diet, and, most importantly, our activity level once we get past 40 yrs of age.
What we know is that women who are post-menopausal (loss of estrogen), low in vitamin D and who do not do weight bearing exercises (walking) are prone to bone loss.
Hope it helps,
Bose
Hope it helps,
Bose
Nabil A Ebraheim
Orthopedist
Osteoporosis may cause this, as well as not having enough calcium and protein.
Age, hormonal changes, decreased activity, some diseases.
