Osteoporosis
Cause
As a natural part of aging, bone tissue breaks down. It
is absorbed faster than new bone is made, and Reference bones become thinner Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window. You are
more likely to have
osteoporosis if you did not reach your ideal bone
thickness (Reference bone density Opens New Window) during your childhood and
teenage years.
In women, bone loss increases around menopause, when ovaries decrease production of estrogen, a hormone that protects against bone loss. So the older you get, the more likely you are to have osteoporosis.
Not getting enough Reference calcium and vitamin D contributes to bone thinning. Also, thin bones may run in families.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference November 6, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine |
|
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