As well as certain medications, there are also identifiable diseases that can contribute to osteoporosis.
Some examples include:
Cushing's syndrome: Cushing's syndrome is an endocrine disorder caused by high levels of
cortisol (a corticosteroid hormone) in the blood.
Primary hyperparathyroidism: causes hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels) through
the excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone.
Clinical hyperthyroidism: overactive thyroid gland, as in Graves' disease, the most
common form of hyperthyroidism. Too much thyroid hormone interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium
into the bones.
Sex hormone deficiency (hypogonadism):
- In women: early loss of menstrual periods (amenorrhea); anorexia nervosa or
exercise-induced amenorrhea.
- In men: low levels of testosterone hormone.
Spinal cord injury: the physical immobility that results can contribute to
osteoporosis.
Malabsorption syndrome: diseases that prevent nutrients like calcium and vitamin D from
being absorbed. Examples include celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or
ulcerative colitis.
Type 1 diabetes: there is evidence to suggest that both men and women with type 1
diabetes are at higher risk for low bone density and for low-trauma fracture.
Turner syndrome: Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal condition characterized by
complete or partial absence of the second X chromosome. Due to inadequate production of estrogen, many women
with Turner syndrome develop osteoporosis and are at an increased risk of bone fractures.
