Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile and are at risk of fractures, is no longer a disorder that only elderly people need to worry about. Over the past few decades, osteoporosis has become increasingly prevalent for a variety of reasons.
While most people think that age and a lack of calcium are the only risk factors for osteoporosis, there are a number of other issues contributing to the rise of osteoporosis. Fortunately, there are also some ways to significantly decrease the chance of developing the condition.
What causes osteoporosis, and why is it spreading?
Osteoporosis develops over a long period of time, and there are multiple factors that can contribute to it. Here are the principal reasons why people develop osteoporosis and why cases of osteoporosis are rising.
An aging population
In the United States, as well as in most of the developed world, the average age of the population is increasing. This trend is expected to grow even more pronounced in the coming decades, and age is a major contributor to osteoporosis.
A sedentary lifestyle
One of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis is to participate in plenty of exercise in which the body’s weight is supported by the bones. But for many people, a combination of jobs in which they sit nearly all day and a generally inactive lifestyle leads to them not getting enough of that type of exercise.
Poor nutrition and other lifestyle choices
A rich and varied diet delivers all the nutrients the body needs to stay healthy, and that includes decreasing the risk of osteoporosis. But many people make compromises with their diet, or simply don’t have the time or inclination to eat a proper diet, and this increases the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol interfere with bone health, which ups the chances of developing osteoporosis.
Hormonal imbalances
Another major risk factor for osteoporosis is hormonal imbalance, with women particularly vulnerable if estrogen production declines greatly. A decrease in testosterone is a danger for men. Hormonal imbalances can occur for a variety of reasons, one of which is excessive stress. In uncertain or challenging times, stress levels rise, and this increases the risk of osteoporosis, especially in combination with the above factors.
Vitamin D deficiency
Many people know that getting enough calcium is vital to preventing osteoporosis. But some overlook how crucial vitamin D’s role is in promoting bone health. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium, and when a person is deficient in Vitamin D, their body can get enough calcium, yet be unable to process it fully. Vitamin D also strengthens the bones by facilitating bone mineralization.
The hormone-bone connection
Getting enough calcium, vitamin D and other minerals and nutrients are important, but hormones are by far the biggest determinants of osteoporosis risk. The three key regulators of osteoporosis risk are testosterone, estrogen and HGH (human growth hormone).
HGH in particular is of vital importance when it comes to preventing osteoporosis, in the following ways:
- Causes increased bone formation
- Fortifies the structure of the bones
- Causes the bones to retain more calcium
- Fosters increased production of collagen, a major protein within bones
People can develop low levels of HGH, especially as they get older. When that happens, studies have shown that HGH therapy can reduce the effects of low HGH, increasing bone density, helping with calcium retention and building lean muscle mass, which supports your bones. This leads to a reduction in the risk of falling and increases balance, along with its role in fighting osteoporosis risk.
As a result, an increasing number of adults, especially those in their 40s, are looking into methods to buy HGH under medical supervision. HGH’s benefits go beyond osteoporosis prevention, and exploring HGH therapy can be part of a larger wellness plan to protect the body and enhance vitality.
Osteoporosis risk is increasing for the population as a whole, and it’s not something that only elderly people should be concerned about. The risk factors are varied, with hormonal deficiencies being a major driver of the development of osteoporosis. Fortunately, hormonal therapy can alleviate much of the risk while promoting a healthier lifestyle in general.
