Diseases and Osteoporosis

Diseases Associated With Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. It is often referred to as a silent disease because it goes unnoticed and therefore untreated until a painful break occurs. There is no known cause or cure for osteoporosis however several risk factors have been identified as well as prevention and treatment methods.

There are a number of diseases, some chronic and age related that have been associated with osteoporosis. Many diseases share the same risk factors while others may directly lead to the onset of osteoporosis.

Diseases most commonly associated with osteoporosis are cancers including lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma, and others, kidney failure, liver disease, Paget's disease, endocrine or glandular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and gonadal failure. Psychological disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia and depression have also been affiliated with osteoporosis.

Bone Disorders

Paget's disease is a chronic bone disorder that is due to irregular breakdown and formation of bone tissue. While this condition is often associated with osteoporosis due to its nature it is not a direct cause or factor in osteoporosis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other rheumatic diseases such as lupus is autoimmune diseases, or a disorder where the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues, including bone. Women are more likely to get these types of disorders and are already at higher risk of osteoporosis. The use of corticosteroids, or inactivity as a result of pain associated with these diseases may result in bone loss and therefore lead to osteoporosis.

Cancers

Many types of cancer including breast, prostate, leukemia, and lymphoma may contribute to osteoporosis for a number of reasons. The cancer itself may attack the bone cells and contribute to breakdown or bone loss, hormonal changes also have a direct effect. Moreover several cancer therapies and treatments including hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and glucocorticoids affect gonadal hormone production increasing bone resorption and decreasing bone mass leading to osteoporosis.

Osteopenia is also a prominent finding in young adults who are survivors of childhood cancers. Osteopenia is a diagnosis of low bone mass density, a precursor to osteoporosis.

Diabetes 

Type I Diabetes has long been associated with low bone mass. This type of diabetes also occurs at a young age when bones are still being developed so the loss in bone mass progresses for an extended period of time.

Glandular disorders

Glandular disorders disrupt normal functioning of the body. Hyperparathyroidism is excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood; this leads to higher bone resorption and osteoporosis. Hypoparathyroidism is an inadequate secretion.

Cushing’s syndrome and hyperadrenocorticism are glandular disorders characterized by excessive cortisol, which is also a result of depression. Excessive cortisol, and synthesized cortisol called cortisone or corticosteroids medications result in an increased loss of bone density.

Often those who are afflicted with chronic diseases suffer from chronic or acute pain. This may lead to a period of inactivity. A prolonged sedentary life can lead to greater loss of bone than normal contributing to osteoporosis risk. Many people with these diseases are often unaware of their increased risk of osteoporosis, as it is not routinely discussed or explained.