Unravelling the Primary and Secondary Causes of Osteoporosis

While age and genetic predisposition play significant roles in developing osteoporosis, it’s important to note that there can be numerous secondary causes of this condition.  These secondary factors can often be overlooked, but they are essential to pinpoint because they directly influence how osteoporosis is treated.

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, expect your healthcare provider to conduct detailed assessments to identify these secondary causes.  Specialists in our London Osteoporosis Clinic take this approach because understanding the root cause of your osteoporosis allows us to tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

Potential secondary causes of osteoporosis include certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or specific hormonal imbalances.  Lifestyle factors like smoking, heavy alcohol use, or long-term use of certain medications such as corticosteroids can also induce it.  This isn’t an exhaustive list, and it’s crucial to understand that anyone can develop osteoporosis, but these factors can increase risk.

Identifying and managing these secondary factors are integral to a treatment plan.  If your osteoporosis is linked to a specific medication, for instance, your doctor may adjust your dosage or suggest an alternative.  If lifestyle factors are involved, you may be advised to cut back on alcohol, stop smoking, or change your diet.

With the correct treatment, osteoporosis outcomes can be remarkably improved.  We have seen gratifying results, including improvements in bone density and even reversal of osteoporosis in many cases.  The overarching goal of managing osteoporosis is to reverse bone weakness and prevent future fractures.

In line with this, your aspiration as an osteoporosis patient should be to build stronger, healthier bones and avert potential fractures.  This journey often begins by understanding the root cause of your osteoporosis and tailoring your treatment accordingly.

The London Osteoporosis Clinic is committed to a future free of osteoporosis suffering.  We stand with organisations like Sticks and Stones, who work towards increasing awareness, improving prevention, and promoting better treatment of osteoporosis.  Together, we can create a world where osteoporosis does not steal the freedom and vitality of our loved ones.