Osteoporosis affects approximately 10 million Americans, and postmenopausal women are at the highest risk. Currently, the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates there is an additional 33.6 million Americans whom have osteopenia.
The most common causes of osteoporosis include:
- Decreasing estrogen levels in women and testosterone levels in men
- Low vitamin D and calcium levels
- Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Parathyroid imbalance