Causes

Causes of Secondary Osteoporosis

Corticosteroids. More than 30 million Americans have disorders that are commonly treated using corticosteroids (also called glucocorticoids or steroids). Oral corticosteroids are known to reduce bone mass in both men and women. Studies report a higher risk for bone loss in adults who take inhaled steroids regularly. The risk is higher with increasing doses, but is still lower than with oral steroids. (Children on inhaled steroids may have temporary impaired growth, but they do not appear to be at risk for bone loss.)

Other Medications. Anti-epileptic (also called anti-seizure) drugs increase the risk for bone loss (as does epilepsy itself). Other drugs that increase the risk for bone loss include heparin, progestin without estrogen (such as Depo-Provera or other progestin-based contraceptives), and hormonal drugs that suppress estrogen (such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists). Diuretics (used to treat high blood pressure) have different effects on osteoporosis, depending on the type. Loop diuretics, which block sodium, have been associated with bone loss. Thiazide diuretics, on the other hand, confer protection against fracture during the time they are used.

Predisposing Medical Conditions. Osteoporosis can be secondary to several other conditions, including alcoholism, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, chronic liver or kidney disease, celiac disease, scurvy, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia, cirrhosis, gastrointestinal diseases, vitamin D deficiency, hypogonadism (impaired development of reproductive organs), lymphoma, hyperparathyroidism, and rare genetic disorders such as Marfan’s and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.