Osteoporosis

Chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic hepatitis C, an infection of the liver. Immobility, such as after a stroke, or from any condition that interferes with walking. Hyperparathyroidism, a disease wherein there is excessive parathyroid hormone production by the parathyroid gland (a small gland located near the thyroid gland). Normally, the parathyroid hormone maintains blood calcium levels is by removing calcium from the bone. In untreated hyperparathyroidism, excessive parathyroid hormone causes too much calcium to be removed from the bone and this can lead to osteoporosis. Too much thyroid hormone can also cause bone loss. This condition can occur when your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or when you take excessive thyroid hormone medication to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. When vitamin D is lacking, the body cannot absorb adequate amounts of calcium to prevent osteoporosis. Certain medications can cause osteoporosis. These include heparin (a blood thinner), anti-seizure medications phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbital, and long term use of corticosteroids (such as Prednisone).