Osteoporosis is not an autoimmune disease. However, research suggests a malfunctioning immune system may cause osteoporosis. Scientists are studying this link between changes in your bones and your immune system.
Diagnosing both osteoporosis and any underlying autoimmune disease is important to managing the conditions and reducing problematic symptoms later.
Read on to learn more about osteoporosis and the immune system, what autoimmune conditions are connected to osteoporosis, and more.
Some research focuses on how the immune system influences osteoporosis and whether it’s related to autoimmune conditions.
The immune system and bone system are linked. They share certain molecules and regulatory mechanisms. Researchers want to find out more about how this link may cause bone loss.
Your immune system exists to fight outside germs that make you sick, but it can malfunction. Sometimes, your immune system creates proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells in your body.
These autoantibodies can affect the entire body, including the organs, joints, and skin.
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More studies looking into this link could help doctors to better understand osteoporosis and find more effective treatments for it.
Doctors classify osteoporosis as either primary or secondary, depending on what causes it.
Primary osteoporosis
Most people with osteoporosis have primary osteoporosis.
One or more of these factors can lead to primary osteoporosis:
- aging
- menopause
- family history
- lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise
Secondary osteoporosis
Secondary osteoporosis occurs when the condition is caused by other health conditions, such as:
Secondary osteoporosis may also occur as a side effect of some medications,
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Medications for some conditions related to your immune system, such as asthma,and rheumatoid arthritis, can also
Your doctor can conduct tests to determine whether you have osteoporosis along with an autoimmune disease. There is not one single test to diagnose both conditions, so your diagnosis will involve a few different methods.
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They will also be able to determine the bone density in various parts of your body where you might be more vulnerable to fractures, like your back and hips.
Determining if you also have an autoimmune condition will usually require laboratory tests. One type of blood test that looks for a variety of these conditions is the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. Other tests may look for certain proteins and inflammation in your blood or urine.
Your doctor may also order an X-ray or other imaging studies to help make a diagnosis. These tests can help detect autoimmune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis.
Elevated levels in laboratory tests might mean that your immune system is not working properly. Your doctor can use this information, along with your bone density scan, family history, and physical examination, to determine a treatment plan for your symptoms.
Osteoporosis is not considered an autoimmune disease. However, some research suggests that it could be linked to the immune system in some ways. More research is necessary to better understand this.
Some autoimmune diseases increase your risk of secondary osteoporosis. These include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
If your doctor suspects osteoporosis or an autoimmune condition, they will order tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes.