Could Osteoporosis Run in Your Family? Lady Lake FL

Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease. An estimated 10 million Americans have it, and another 18 million have low bone mass that may eventually lead to osteoporosis if untreated.  People with osteoporosis have brittle bones that break easily; a leading cause of disability in seniors. But is osteoporosis hereditary?    

The National Institutes of Health tell us that the leading cause of osteoporosis (which occurs more often to women over 50 than any other population group) is decreased estrogen after menopause. Osteoporosis can happen to men and women of any race or age. Certain genetic factors may increase risks, affect bone growth, bone mass and calcium reabsorption.  People with a family history for osteoporosis carry more risk than those that don't as do Caucasion and Asian women and people with small frames and low body weight.  All of these are hereditary.

Genetic studies show how traits and characteristics are inherited from generation to generation.  Genes that cause disease can be inherited.  A variety of genetic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, blood, and rheumatic disorders have been linked with an increased risk for osteoporosis including hyperthyroidism, chronic lung disease, endometriosis, malignancy, chronic hepatic or renal disease, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and Cushing's disease.  If your family members have these diseases, there's an increased chance that you might develop it, too...

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