WebMD eHealth Tools
 |  |
 | |
What causes Osteoporosis?Not all causes of osteoporosis are known. One well-recognized cause -- and the reason about 25% of women over age 60 have osteoporosis -- is normal loss of the female hormone estrogen at menopause. "Surgical menopause," in women whose ovaries have been removed, has the same effect. Osteoporosis in men is much less common and is most often due to loss of the male hormone testosterone or chronic alcoholism.So-called "secondary" osteoporosis may occur in connection with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa; hormonal or endocrine conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland; digestive system conditions such as liver disease; joint disease such as arthritis; cancer; or certain medications such as anti-inflammatory steroids, so-called "water pills" (diuretics), aluminum-containing antacids, and taking too much thyroid hormone. If you're regularly taking medications or using antacids, check with your doctor about any related risk of bone loss.
| |
| Copyright ® 2001 WebMD Corportation. All Rights Reserved | |
