Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. Bones become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break from a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing. Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races, but white and Asian women, especially older women who are past menopause, are at highest risk.

The creation of new bone does not keep up with the loss of old bone, leading to osteoporosis. Bones affected by osteoporosis may become so fragile that fractures occur spontaneously or as the result of minor falls, such as a fall from standing height that would not normally cause a break in a healthy bone, or normal stresses such as bending, lifting, or even coughing.

The following are some of the causes and risk factors of osteoporosis:

• Aging
• Menopause
• Low calcium and vitamin D intake
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Certain medical conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain medications such as glucocorticoids and some anticonvulsants

In summary, osteoporosis is caused by a loss of bone mass and changes in the structure of bone tissue. The creation of new bone does not keep up with the loss of old bone, leading to weak and brittle bones that are more likely to break. There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, including aging, menopause, low calcium and vitamin D intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, family history of osteoporosis, certain medical conditions, and certain medications.