Q: So osteoporosis is not just a disease caused by estrogen loss?
No. It is important to always look for a secondary cause of this disease. It should never be simply assumed that osteoporosis is a direct result of menopause and estrogen loss.
Q: Certain antacids, which are generally assumed to be calcium-rich, can actually cause calcium depletion. Can you explain this?
Some antacids contain aluminum, and aluminum is actually a poison to the bones. However, this risk factor is probably not significant for most people, unless they are taking very large amounts of aluminum-containing antacids.
Q: Are secondary causes of osteoporosis more common in certain groups of people?
The most common cause of osteoporosis is estrogen deficiency, and as this deficiency is not a problem in men, we find that disease in men is most commonly attributed to secondary causes. Approximately 50 percent of the men who have osteoporosis tend to have a secondary cause.
Q: Are men often resistant to an osteoporosis diagnosis because it is a disease more prevalent in older women?
Absolutely. The other day, I had a female patient with osteoporosis who came in with her husband. He was small and bent over, and I recommended that he get a bone density test, which is the most reliable diagnostic tool for this disease, and he refused.
Q: So it never hurts to talk to your doctor about your risk for this disease, no matter what your gender or your age?
That's right.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis can be a devastating condition. Over 1.5 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur each year, usually in the hip or the spine, and primarily in older women. But osteoporosis is also one of the most preventable diseases. Most fractures could be avoided or prevented with density testing, preventative measures, and appropriate medical treatment.
