Osteoporosis develops slowly. Osteoporosis affects both sexes, but 80 percent of those with osteoporosis are women, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Women are especially vulnerable to the disease following menopause when estrogen production drops. Estrogen helps prevent bone loss. Cells called osteoclasts absorb calcium from the bone so it can be used by the body, Boyd explained.
Calcium helps keep the heart beating and muscles working properly.
Cells called osteoblasts build bone. As we age, the balance tips, and more bone is lost than rebuilt. The amount of loss varies widely. Those whose bones thin too much end up with osteoporosis. There are folks who've taken care of themselves and they're unaware of this silent process going on until they break a bone.