In most people the bone loss is immediately replaced with new bone growth. When osteoporosis strikes, the lost bone is not fully replaced. Over many years, the accumulated bone loss results in thin and brittle bones. Bones that break easily. Bones that crack.
Osteoporosis is associated with falls and fractures, broken wrists and curved spines.
For many women, bone loss begins to occur at around age 35. After menopause the rate of bone loss increases. Consequently, the effects of osteoporosis are most evident after age 60. Loss of height is one of the clues that a person may have osteoporosis. But you don't have to measure yourself monthly to find out if you have osteoporosis.