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Bone loss factor

1209 West 5th Street, Suite 100 Austin. TX 78703 P: (512) 391-0011 F: (512) 391-0031

Many factors that contribute to bone loss are within our control. Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and smoking all play a role. In some cases, bone loss is also triggered by other illnesses or necessary medications — being aware of these allows you and your care team to take proactive steps.

Lifestyle Factors — Within Your Control
  • Smoking

Contributes to poor metabolism and is believed to cause women to enter menopause earlier, increasing their risk of bone loss sooner.

  • High Alcohol Intake

Limits the stomach’s ability to produce hydrochloric acid, which is needed to absorb calcium and magnesium. When magnesium is lost in the urine, it takes calcium with it.

  • Caffeine

Acts as a diuretic and contributes to high calcium excretion for several hours after consumption.

  • High Salt Consumption

Disrupts the calcium-magnesium ratio, causing calcium excretion. Some people are especially sensitive and lose excess calcium even on a moderate-salt diet.

  • Soft Drinks

Colas and sodas contain high levels of phosphoric acid, which disrupts the calcium-phosphorus balance and causes calcium to be leached from bones. Caffeinated soft drinks accelerate this further.

  • Sugar Consumption

Hinders calcium absorption and increases calcium excretion, contributing to gradual calcium depletion from bone tissue.

  • Lack of Exercise

Especially the absence of weight-bearing exercise, which accelerates bone loss significantly. As the saying goes — “use it or lose it” applies directly to bone health. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to preserve bone density.

Medications & Treatments Associated with Bone Loss

Although osteoporosis most often develops as part of normal aging, it can also be triggered by other illnesses or by certain medications. If you take any of the medications below, discuss bone health with your physician — do not stop any medication without medical advice.

  • Medications that affect bone density

Anticoagulants

Warfarin (Coumadin), Heparin

Used to treat heart disease and reduce blood clot risk. They work by reducing the effects of vitamin K, which helps calcium bind to bone tissue — leading to reduced bone density over time.

Anticonvulsants

Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Pregabalin (Lyrica)

Used for epilepsy, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. These drugs interfere with vitamin D metabolism, reducing the body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

Clonazepam (Klonopin), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan)

Also inhibit vitamin D metabolism, which reduces calcium absorption and contributes to bone loss.

Aromatase Inhibitors

Used in breast and ovarian cancer treatment (post-menopausal women)

Disrupt estrogen production as part of cancer treatment, which leads to accelerated bone loss as a side effect.

Corticosteroids

Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone

Used for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, lung disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. These are particularly damaging to bone — they both reduce calcium absorption and speed up bone resorption.

Diuretics

Furosemide (Lasix)

Prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure, liver and kidney disease. Certain diuretics cause the kidneys to excrete more calcium, which can lead to bone loss over time.

Immunosuppressants

Used after organ transplant; also for psoriasis, Crohn's disease

Suppress the immune system to prevent rejection or treat autoimmune conditions, but also hinder the formation of new bone tissue.

Kidney Dialysis Solutions & Antacids

Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium (acid reflux drugs)

Contain aluminum or reduce stomach acid, both of which disrupt the calcium-phosphorus balance needed for bone formation and interfere with calcium absorption.

Oral Contraceptives

Birth control pills

May have a negative long-term effect on bone health by elevating sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels — which can persist even after the pills are stopped — potentially leading to impaired androgen activity and osteoporosis. (Per Dr. Irwin Goldstein, MD, director of The Institute of Sexual Medicine.)

After-hours emergencies — Dr. Eggleston

(512) 391-0011 ext. 103

Available after hours for urgent concerns