The Lupus Osteoporosis Link

Studies have found an increase in bone loss and fracture in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In fact, women with lupus may be nearly five times more likely to experience a fracture from osteoporosis.

Individuals with lupus are at increased risk for osteoporosis for many reasons:

Also of concern is the fact that 90 percent of the individuals affected with lupus are women, a group already at increased osteoporosis risk.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. As a result, various parts of the body – such as the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and lungs – can become inflamed and damaged. There are many different kinds of lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the form of the disease that is commonly referred to as lupus.

People with lupus can have a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms are:

Typically, these symptoms come and go. When symptoms are present in a person with the disease, it is known as a flare. When symptoms are not present, the disease is said to be in remission.

According to NIAMS, 90 percent of those diagnosed with lupus are women. The disease is three times more common in black women than white women. Women of Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent are also at increased risk. Lupus typically appears in people between the ages of 15 and 45. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become less dense and more likely to fracture. Fractures from osteoporosis can result in significant pain and disability. Osteoporosis is a major health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, 68 percent of whom are women.

Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include:

• being thin or having a small frame
• having a family history of the disease
• for women, being postmenopausal, having an early menopause, or not having menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
• using certain medications, such as glucocorticoids
• not getting enough calcium
• not getting enough physical activity
• smoking
• drinking too much alcohol

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that can often be prevented. However, if undetected, it can progress for many years without symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Go On To Part 2 --- The Lupus–Osteoporosis Link --->