Women produce much less estrogen after menopause. The lower levels of estrogen cause a weakening of the bones. Women who smoke or are physically inactive are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Too little calcium in the diet or a family history of osteoporosis are other risk factors. You may have no clear symptoms until a bone breaks.
Broken bones are the most common problem for people with osteoporosis.
The hip, arm, and wrist are common places for breaks. Treatment cannot eliminate osteoporosis, but it can slow down the loss of bone. Women begin to produce less estrogen before menopause. Without this hormone to help bones stay strong, women are more likely to have osteoporosis. Taking estrogen pills around the time of menopause is the best way to slow calcium loss from the bones and keep your bones strong.