Although osteoporosis is seen in both men and women, it is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women. After menopause, a sharp decline in estrogen is noted, which is believed to have a critical function in calcium storage in the bones.Estrogen depletion results in a decrease of calcium reabsorption in the bone, leading to brittle bones.
An overactive parathyroid hormone gland or thyroid gland is also correlated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. The thyroid glands are vital to the regulation of certain hormones that direct bone breakdown and bone buildup.
If the parathyroid gland is overactive, it will result in the increased rate of bone mineral breakdown. This will further result in porous and brittle bones. Similarly, if the thyroid gland is underactive, the rate of bone decomposition will be faster than the rate of bone deposition, which will also result in weak bones.