The bones in the human body are living tissue that breaks down constantly, to be replaced throughout one’s lifetime. But people may develop a condition where the bone tissue can no longer maintain its pace with the lost matter, known as osteoporosis. Apart from one’s lifestyle choices, age, and eating habits, multiple health conditions could also increase the risk of the condition. Here are six health conditions that could lead to osteoporosis.

Multiple myeloma
Healthy plasma cells help the body fight infections by producing antibodies that identify and eliminate germs. However, those affected by multiple myeloma will be affected by cancer that forms in the plasma cells (a type of white blood cell). The cancerous cells gather in the bone marrow and crowd out the healthy blood cells, which can affect the germ-fighting process. The abnormal cells may also damage the bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Healthcare experts may indicate targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant, or other prescription based on the stage of cancer.

Lupus
An individual suffering from lupus may also be at an increased risk of bone loss. The autoimmune disease attacks the healthy tissues and cells, which may trigger inflammation and damage areas of the body, including the kidneys, heart, skin, and joints. Lupus is also a health disease that may increase the risk of osteoporosis. The disease disrupts the regular breakdown and replacement of bone matter, which could lead to lower density. And reduced BMD will trigger weaker bones later in an individual’s life. The health condition can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in women and those between the ages of 15 and 45.

Furthermore, the symptoms of lupus, such as fatigue, joint pains, chest pain, and shortness of breath, may force an individual to refrain from physical activities, the lack of which may worsen the risk of weak and brittle bones. Those who take prescriptions to control lupus may also suffer from side effects such as bone loss. So they must consult with a healthcare expert about the best course of treatment to prevent or reduce osteoporosis.

Multiple sclerosis
An individual with multiple sclerosis (MS) will suffer spinal cord and brain damage. MS compels the immune system to attack several parts of the central nervous system, which may lead to symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, impaired mobility, and memory loss. Those affected by multiple sclerosis may have lower vitamin D levels as they don’t go outdoors often. Considering that the vitamin is essential for building bones, its absence may worsen the risk of osteoporosis and its associated symptoms. Multiple sclerosis also prevents one from engaging in weight-bearing exercises or regular movements, which are other triggers of weaker bones. Even the prescriptions available for MS may come with side effects that increase bone loss. So when one is affected by the disease, one must take the necessary precautions to prevent falls indoors or outdoors. This includes wearing shoes with ideal grip when on the move, installing railings in bathrooms, using rubber mats, and improving lighting at home.

Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid is a tiny, vital gland located at the base of the neck and is part of the endocrine system. It controls several body functions by producing and (secreting) two hormones into the blood – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). However, sometimes the gland produces excessive amounts of thyroxine, which may lead to more activity in the organs of the body and higher bone-remodeling cycles. This phenomenon is known as hyperthyroidism. And considering that the bone replacement process is less effective after age 30, the condition results in the body losing more bone mass than it can regain. So an individual affected by hyperthyroidism may also suffer from bone loss which may result in fractures. To manage hyperthyroidism, one could resort to prescription and also surgery. An individual should also note that their age, physical condition, and underlying cause of the unusual activity of the thyroid gland may also determine the type of treatment they can receive.

Celiac disease
People affected by the celiac disease will experience an immune response in their small intestine, which may damage its lining. While the cause of the condition is still to be defined, studies show that genes in the human body and the consumption of gluten-rich foods may contribute to its development. The damage may also restrict the intestine from absorbing vital nutrients and may result in symptoms like fatigue, anemia, bloating, and diarrhea. The deficiency of nutrients like vitamin D and calcium may also lead to softer bones in children, triggering osteoporosis as they age. To curb the risk of celiac disease, one should eat gluten-free foods to restore normal nutrient absorption in the intestines. Speaking to a healthcare expert may also help them learn how to improve their nutrient absorption.

Type 1 diabetes
A person who suffers from diabetes will notice changes in how their body chemically converts food into growth and energy. And while type 1 diabetes may affect all age groups, it is more common during early childhood. The disease results in little to no insulin production in the body. Furthermore, those who develop type 1 diabetes early in life will suffer from lower bone mineral density (BMD). The phenomenon occurs because, according to research, higher blood sugar levels may shut down and reduce the body’s ability to create new bone matter. Considering that an individual usually reaches peak bone mass in their 20s, those with type 1 diabetes may not have enough to maintain the rigidity of their bones. Therefore, an individual might be at risk of developing osteoporosis as they get older. Furthermore, diabetes may also result in complications, including muscle weakness, nerve damage, and vision problems, which may increase the risk of falls and fractures.