This combination of collagen and calcium makes bone strong yet flexible to withstand stress. During childhood and teenage years, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. As a result, bones become larger, heavier, and denser. After age 30, bone resorption slowly begins to exceed bone formation. Bone loss is most rapid in the first few years after menopause but persists into the postmenopausal years.
Osteoporosis develops when bone resorption occurs too quickly or if replacement occurs too slowly.
Osteoporosis is more likely to develop if you did not reach optimal bone mass during your bone building years. Certain factors are linked to the development of osteoporosis or contribute to an individual's likelihood of developing the disease. Many people with osteoporosis have several of these risk factors, but others who develop osteoporosis have no identified risk factors. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone more rapidly than men because of the changes involved in menopause. Age - the older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.