Bone loss occurs when health conditions cause the bones to become weak and brittle. When the bones are weak, they lose their density. To keep them healthy, calcium, phosphate, and minerals are required. The human body reabsorbs old bones and produces new ones, restoring the entire bone structure every 8 to 10 years. However, the progression slows down when you get old. Here are a few health conditions that can slow down bone growth:

Health conditions that cause bone loss:

• Osteoporosis
  This is a condition in which the bones, especially in the wrist, hip, and spine, become weak. It is recommended that a doctor check bone density as one ages to detect and treat osteoporosis. Although it cannot be completely healed, it can be controlled by managing one’s food intake and appropriate treatment. People with this condition should walk carefully to avoid a fall, as any fracture would take a prolonged time to heal. In addition, various treatment options and regular supplements would be needed. In severe cases of this condition, a few surgical procedures are available that could be helpful. Physical therapy is also of great help.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and lupus
  Studies reveal that approximately 3 million adults in the country have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. They are both autoimmune diseases where the body attacks its healthy cells and causes inflammation. Any chronic disease that involves inflammation puts one at a significant threat of osteoporosis, as it increases the speed of bone turnover, where the old bone is restored with a healthy new bone. People suffering from RA and lupus are most often prescribed steroids for a long period to manage the symptoms; this increases the chance of osteoporosis as it slows the functioning of the bone-building cells.
• Asthma
  Although asthma, as a health condition, does not directly cause bone loss, the risk of developing it increases due to the treatments used. The common treatment option for this condition is inhalers that contain corticosteroids and prednisone. These provide relief from asthma and other respiratory symptoms but can result in bone loss. Also, according to experts, children diagnosed with asthma probably do not take part in the necessary exercise and physical activity needed to build bones due to breathing issues. This could result in weak bones and bone loss later in life.
• Celiac disease
  Due to this disease, the body cannot process gluten, a protein that is available in wheat and other grains. The immune system reacts by attacking the cells of the small intestine whenever someone with celiac disease eats gluten. As a result, it becomes difficult for the body to absorb nutrients, such as calcium, which is important for healthy bones. Weak bones are a sure sign of this disease. If a doctor diagnoses someone with this condition, they will have to opt for gluten-free foods so that their body can recover fast. If celiac disease is left untreated, it can damage the inner layer of the digestive system. Thus, the absorption of nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, will become difficult, which will lower bone density.
• Hyperthyroidism
  In this condition, the thyroid gland fails to produce hormones normally. The thyroid gland is a tiny butterfly-shaped gland that is located at the bottom of the neck. This gland becomes overactive and generates excessive thyroid hormone, resulting in fatigue, tremors, and sleeplessness. Over time, people may experience tremendous bone loss, which the body is unable to restore quickly. If it continues for a long period, it will develop osteoporosis. Through various treatment options, including surgery, normal levels of the thyroid hormone can be restored.

Treatment options for bone loss

• Evenity
  This is normally prescribed to treat osteoporosis or bone loss. Evenity, prescribed alone or in combination with other treatment options, belongs to the group known as monoclonal antibodies. This option is categorized as anabolic, as it stimulates the growth of new bones. It also slows down the bone loss to some extent. It is specifically used as a treatment option for osteoporosis that affects women after menopause. The side effects that could occur with this prescription option are headache, joint pains, insomnia, and numbness.
• Forteo
  Forteo, administered via an injection, is available only with a prescription. It is quite close to the natural hormone known as parathyroid. It increases bone mass and boosts bone strength, which reduces the danger of getting a fracture. It is not recommended to prescribe this treatment option to young adults and children as their bones are still growing. In some cases, the side effects like a fast heartbeat or dizziness could occur within 4 hours of using this treatment. Other potential side effects that could develop are muscle cramps, neck pain, and runny nose.

Besides this, many options can help prevent and detect bone loss, such as early bone density tests and consuming more vitamin D and calcium. Even though this health condition is incurable, it can be managed well with treatment and healthy lifestyle choices, like regular exercise or yoga. However, avoid anything high intensity. Surgery might be recommended in cases where all treatments fail with no other option available.