Osteoporosis is most common in white and Asian women, especially slender women. 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.
Women produce much less estrogen after menopause.
The lower levels of estrogen cause a weakening of the bones. Women who smoke or are physically inactive are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Too little calcium in the diet or a family history of osteoporosis are other risk factors. You may have no clear symptoms until a bone breaks. Broken bones are the most common problem for people with osteoporosis.