Osteoporosis is an abnormal condition in which bones lose so much calcium that they become brittle and weak. Osteoporosis is most common among elders. Fractures disable many elders every year and may lead to early death. Osteoporosis is common in Rhode Island, and costly. About 43,000 Rhode Islanders are believed to have osteoporosis, and another 78,000 are believed to be at high risk of osteoporosis in the future because their bones are weakening.
Osteoporosis has multiple causes.
Osteoporosis may be caused by the loss of hormones in menopause, by aging, by some medical conditions, and by using some medicines. A diet low in calcium and vitamin D, smoking, too much alcohol, and too little exercise may also lead to osteoporosis. The most important cause of osteoporosis is loss of hormones. Bones are store and release calcium all the time. In childhood and early adulthood, bones store calcium faster than they release it, which leads to growth.