Subscribe to our newsletter. The definition of osteoporosis is decreased density of normal bone. Unlike conditions such as osteomalacia or Rickets, the mineralization of bone is normal in osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis causes a decrease in bone mass, often referred to as thinning of bone.
When this occurs, the patient with osteoporosis will have weaker bones and have a higher risk of bone fracture. Type I osteoporosis occurs only in post-menopausal women, and is due to estrogen deficiency. Both men and women achieve their peak bone mass in the third decade of life. After that point in time, their bone mass gradually, but steadily decreases. In pregnant and lactating women the rate of bone loss will temporarily increase if the increased calcium demands are not met by dietary intake.