Primary osteoporosis
About 95 per cent of all cases of osteoporosis are primary (Type 1). This mainly affects postmenopausal women. The first bone fracture occurs about eight to ten years after the last menstrual period. The lumbar vertebrae are the most susceptible.
In Type II osteoporosis, the first fracture does not occur until the age of 70 or more. Women again account for most of the patients (two-thirds). In addition to the spine, the long bones of the hip and arm are affected.
Risk factors for the development of primary osteoporosis are a family history, hormone status (first menstrual period later and last menstrual period earlier) and living habits (little exercise, prolonged confinement to bed, diet low in calcium or high in phosphates such as fast food, coca cola, sausages; harmful indulgences such as alcohol, coffee and cigarettes, low body weight).
Secondary osteoporosis
Secondary osteoporosis occurs as a result of certain diseases, or as an unwanted side effect of certain drugs.
Risk factors for the development of secondary osteoporosis are anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of asthma or rheumatism (cortisone), excessively high doses of thyroid hormone, anticoagulant coumarin derivatives (Marcumar), chronic dietary absorption disorders such as diseases of the pancreas, intestine, liver and kidneys, and hormone disorders such as an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes and tumours.