Career Opportunities Investor Relations Contact Alterra Site Index Osteoporosis Osteoporosis has received much media attention recently, but confusion and misunderstandings may still exist. Following is an overview of the disease, who is at risk, and suggestions for prevention. Osteoporosis occurs when bones become thin and brittle. Bones are made up of living tissue that is constantly being renewed.
Old bone is removed and new bone is built to replace the old.
During childhood and early adulthood, new bone is formed faster than old bone is removed. Bone mass, or density, usually peaks between the ages of 25 and 35. After that, bone loss occurs faster than new bone is formed. Osteoporosis develops when this loss is too fast and excessive, causing bones to become thin, and increasing the chance of fractures. Women suffer from osteoporosis more than men due to a number of factors.