Topic Overview

Diseases that increase the risk of osteoporosis include those of the:

• Hormone (endocrine) system, such as Cushing's syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, or hyperthyroidism.
• Blood (hematologic diseases), such as leukemia.
• Soft tissues (rheumatologic diseases), such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
• Stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal diseases), such as malabsorption, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic liver disease.

Other medical conditions that increase a person's risk of developing osteoporosis include any condition that reduces the amount of estrogen or testosterone in a person's body, such as removing a woman's ovaries.