What is the primary cause of secondary osteoporosis?

• A. Glucocorticoids
• B. Hormonal imbalance
• C. Genetic factors
• D. Nutritional deficiencies

Answer: (A)

The primary cause of secondary osteoporosis is glucocorticoids. These steroid hormones, which are often prescribed to manage inflammation and immune responses, can have significant impacts on bone density. Long-term use of glucocorticoids leads to increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation, ultimately resulting in a reduction in bone mass. This effect is particularly concerning in conditions where glucocorticoids are necessary for treatment, as they can contribute to the development of osteoporosis in patients who may not have other predisposing factors.

While hormonal imbalance and nutritional deficiencies can also lead to osteoporosis, they are more commonly associated with primary osteoporosis. Genetic factors might contribute to an individual's predisposition to osteoporosis but are generally not classified under secondary causes. Therefore, glucocorticoids stand out as the primary factor in the context of secondary osteoporosis development.