If breakdown is greater than formation, bone tissue is lost and bones become thin and brittle, leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a major cause of disability in older people, especially women. The greatest loss in bone density is during the years around menopause when estrogen levels drop significantly.
Doctors often prescribe estrogen to help prevent bone loss and other complications of menopause.
Recently, scientists have been looking at soy as a means of protecting bones. Soybeans contain high-quality protein and calcium which are necessary to build strong bones. Americans eat a lot of protein. The more protein we eat, the more calcium we lose from our bodies. Soy protein causes less urinary calcium loss than animal protein.