Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

Hormonal Imbalance

Progesterone deficiency and estrogen dominance contribute to bone degeneration. It is believed by some that osteoporosis results because of a lack of progesterone in our body to build new bone once old bone has been resorbed.

Body Type/Build

Thin, finer and smaller boned people have a greater risk as they have less bone density and less weight bearing to strength bone. Whereas heavy people unknowingly provide weight bearing to their bones.

Antacids

Antacids decrease calcium absorption as they decrease the acidity of the hydrochloric acid factor (found in the stomach, necessary for food break-down). That means that the hydrochloric acid cannot transport calcium to the bone. Decreased acidity increases calcium excretion.

Tea and coffee consumption

Tea and coffee have a diuretic effect so, again, that takes out essential minerals and nutrients like calcium and magnesium, contributing to increasing osteoporotic risk factors.

Family history, diet and lifestyle

People who have very high meat intake which creates acidosis which requires calcium to neutralise the pH levels (high acid levels in the blood); people who drink a lot of Coke, bubbly drinks; smoke. All these things cause the body to draw on more calcium. Excess sugars and refined carbohydrates also can interfere with the blood glucose level and the pH balances.

Cortisone

Cortisone increases the risk factor of osteoporosis because it shuts down and blocks off the receptors and therefore the bone building aspects. Substances abuse and long term drug use can similarly exert a negative influence on bone building.

Chronic stress may cause high cortisol levels in the body that also interfere with bone building.

Other contributing factors

Tubal ligation, early hysterectomy, removal of ovaries, ovarian dysfunction (cysts, disease or other), the body’s reaction to episodes of stress.