Difference Between Primary and Secondary Osteoporosis?
Primary vs Secondary Osteoporosis: Key Differences Explained
Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by weakened bones and increased fracture risk. It is broadly classified into primary and secondary types based on their causes. It reportedly affects over 200 million women, one-tenth of those aged 60, one-fifth of those aged 70, two-fifths of those aged 80, and two-thirds of those aged 90 globally. Understanding the differences helps in effective diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for bone health.
Read on to know the differences in detail.
Comparison Between Primary and Secondary Osteoporosis
Here are the details of the comparison of secondary and primary osteoporosis:
| Factors | Primary Osteoporosis | Secondary Osteoporosis |
| Cause | Age-related changes, such as menopause and estrogen reduction, are the primary cause. In addition, a poor diet that lacks nutrients, vitamins, and a lack of physical activity increases the risk of bone fractures. | Common causes include underlying medications like steroids, hormonal treatments, and seizure and mood disorder treatments. Chronic health issues, including diabetes, celiac disease, hyperthyroidism, cancer, eating disorders, liver disease and organ transplantation, cause bone weakness and fractures. |
| Examples | Postmenopausal osteoporosis happens to women only due to decreased levels of estrogen hormone after menopause. Senile osteoporosis affects both men and women along with corresponds to age-related bone problems. | Endocrine disorders, such as hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperthyroidism. |
| Onset of Osteoporosis | It typically occurs in older people, women around 50 years old, mainly after 10 to 15 years of post-menopause and men aged 75 to 80 years. | Secondary osteoporosis occurs at any age. It happens at a younger age due to prolonged use of particular medications and chronic health diseases. |
| Impact | Fractures can occur in any part of the body and cause loss of height, weakened grip, and back pain related to compression fractures in the spine. | Fractures mainly occur late in the spine, hips, and forearm, which can cause further complications such as increased mortality, postural changes, etc. |
| Treatment Approach | Treatment concerns for improving age-related bone issues. Anabolic steroids, prolia, bisphosphonate and calcitonin regulate calcium for strengthening bones and preventing fractures. | Treatment involves medication for underlying conditions and bone health. Vitamin D supplements, testosterone replacement, and parathyroid hormone antagonists can be prescribed to improve bone health, balance hormones and form healthy tissues. |
Understanding Primary Osteoporosis
Primary osteoporosis is a common bone disorder primarily caused by natural ageing processes, especially in postmenopausal women due to decreased estrogen levels. This condition leads to a gradual loss of bone density and strength, making bones fragile and more prone to fractures even from minor injuries.
It typically affects older adults, with symptoms often appearing after the age of 50 in women and later in men. Lifestyle factors, such as poor nutrition as well as lack of physical activity can also contribute to the development of primary osteoporosis.
Understanding Secondary Osteoporosis
Secondary osteoporosis occurs when an underlying medical condition or long-term use of certain medications leads to weakened bones as well as increased fracture risk. Unlike primary osteoporosis, which is mainly age-related, secondary osteoporosis can affect individuals at any age.
Common causes include chronic diseases like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and liver disease, as well as medications such as steroids and hormonal treatments. Managing secondary osteoporosis involves treating the root cause alongside improving bone strength through supplements and specific therapies to reduce fracture risk and improve overall bone health.
Overall, primary osteoporosis is mainly caused by age-related changes, while secondary osteoporosis results from underlying health conditions or medication use. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate diagnosis along with effective treatment, helping to protect bone health and reduce the risk of fractures across different age groups and medical backgrounds.
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