Osteoporosis occurs as women get older.
Sex hormones help keep bones strong.
The hormone estrogen helps women's bones stay strong. For example, it helps deposit calcium in the bones. While men continue to produce testosterone, their sex hormone, as they get older, women produce much less estrogen after menopause. The lower levels of estrogen cause a weakening of the bones. Osteoporosis can also occur as a result of hormone disorders or prolonged bed rest during serious illness.