What are the causes of osteoporosis?
Q: I am a 35 years old man who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis. All tests regarding the kidney, liver, endocrine functions, calcium, vitamin-D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were found to be normal. My TSH, T4 and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody were found a little over the normal range. I had duodenal ulcer earlier, which resulted in malaena and subsequently operated upon. I have been prescribed Risofos 35 and Calcirol once a week alongwith Shelcal and Pantop D twice daily. What may be the cause of osteoporosis at this age? Can I take Risofos considering my earlier malaena episode and subsequent surgery?
A:In young males the causes of osteoporosis are as follows:
- Glucocorticoid/steroid use of 5 mg or more per day for longer than six months
- Hypogonadism (low sex hormone levels)
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Anticonvulsant drug use (phenytoin or phenobarbital)
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
- Rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis
- Multiple myeloma or lymphoma
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Cushings disease
- Chronic liver or kidney disease
- Low body mass index
- Pernicious anaemia
- Gastric resection