Women who have had their ovaries surgically removed before menopause are also at risk of developing osteoporosis. Low Levels of Physical Activity Weight-bearing exercise thickens your bones by increasing blood flow to them. The increase in blood flow is accompanied by increased access to nutrients used in the bone-building process. Low levels of physical activity, on the other hand, lead to weaker bones and an increased chance of developing osteoporosis. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption Research has shown that smoking cigarettes lowers estrogen levels in women and consequently speeds up the rate of bone loss.
Alcohol reduces bone formation by interfering with osteoblast cell activity.
Diet When dietary calcium intake is inadequate, the body is deprived of the raw materials it needs to maintain bone mass and strength. Inadequate levels of calcium prevent young persons from reaching their peak bone mass. The failure of older adults to include adequate calcium in their diets means that they will be less likely to ward off bone loss in years to come. Medical History and Medications Medical conditions such as thyroid disease, kidney problems, malabsorption syndromes, and liver conditions can cause osteoporosis. In addition, certain medications, particularly steroid drugs used to treat asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, can have a detrimental effect on bones, especially when taken for extended periods of time.