Osteoporosis is a slow thinning of the bones. As we age, our bones can become weak and break, even without a fall. This happens mostly in Caucasian women during and after menopause. Black women, Native American women, heavy women, and women who have used birth control pills or hormones for many years seem to be protected. There are some risks for osteoporosis that we cannot do anything about. These include:
* being Caucasian or Asian,
* being thin,
* having early menopause, either from nature or surgery,
* having no children,
* taking some drugs, like cortisone, or
* having a family history of weak bones.

There are other things we can change to help our bones, like:
* daily exercise, such as walking,
* eat, drink, or take calcium, such as cheeses, milk, or calcium supplements every day beginning when we are young,
* stop smoking, and
* get care for any problems, such as hormone loss, that can cause thin bones.

There are no early signs of osteoporosis that can be felt. After menopause, pain and broken bones occur when it becomes severe. The back and hip bones are the most common areas affected. Fifteen percent of older women who break a bone will die within three months of their injury. Typically they die from a blood clot, lung infection or heart attack. Many women are never able to fully walk again after their injury.

Most Caucasian women will have some osteoporosis as they age. The key is to slow it down or prevent it. Young women should make sure they are getting enough calcium in their diet and plan a lifetime of weight bearing exercise such as walking. In older women, the combination of diet, exercise, and hormone therapy will help. Estrogen, the female hormone, plays an important role.

Every woman should discuss her risk of getting osteoporosis and hormone therapy with her healthcare provider. By taking steps to prevent osteoporosis, women can live active and healthy lives as they age.

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