During life your bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding themselves. Slowly but steadily, old bone is removed and new bone is formed.
Osteoporosis occurs when bone breaks down much faster than new bone is being formed. Break down leads to decreased bone density and a greater than normal susceptibility to fractures.
The risk of osteoporosis is paticularly great in women during and after menopause
Menopause is often accompanied by some other unwelcome symptoms.