One of the most serious disorders for older women, osteoporosis has been described as a 'silent thief'. Barely displaying symptoms of any underlying problems, osteoporosis results in a gradual weakening of the bone structure. With advancing age, osteoporotic bones grow increasingly porous and fragile until, with little or no warning, a hip, wrist or vertebra is fractured. Vertebrae may collapse, causing the back pain, spinal deformity and loss of height many older women experience. Because bones are so weak, many of these fractures can occur during ordinary activities stepping off a curb or lifting a shopping bag, for example.
Bone is a living tissue that is constantly broken down and reformed.
From birth until the early 30s, more bone is formed than is lost. Once that peak is reached, the process reverses. This is true for men and women alike, but the loss is greatly accelerated in women in the first few years after the menopause. The loss is dramatic. Bone loss especially weakens the hip, vertebra and wrist.