Most typical are fractures of the hip and wrist, and collapse or compression fractures of the spine, which can produce deformity and loss of height. This painful and disabling condition affects 24 million people in the United States alone, many of them women over the age of 45. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of hip fracture, a tragedy that can result in permanent disability and loss of independence. Normally, a woman's bone density peaks at age 35, after which she tends to lose about one percent of bone density every year. The bones become thin and brittle as the amount of bone density decreases more severely.
Many factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
Lack of important nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D is a significant factor in two-thirds of cases. This suggests that changing estrogen levels are at least in part responsible. Some long-term steroid medications also contribute to osteoporosis. Alcohol and smoking can also play a role in the development of osteoporosis. During its early stages, osteoporosis produces no symptoms, or only mild ones such as backaches or back muscle spasms.