Osteoporosis, or 'porous bones', is a silent disease occurring
because of reduced bone formation and increased bone resorption.
Bone is a living, growing tissue made up of collagen, a protein
network that gives the bone its tensile strength and framework,
and calcium phosphate, a mineral that gives the bone its hard
skeletal framework. More than 99 percent of the body's calcium
is present in the bones and teeth. Old bones are constantly
being removed throughout a woman's lifetime and simultaneously
being replaced by new bones. This gives the body a healthy bone
structure. During bone resorption, cells called osteoclasts
dissolve small amounts of bone, and then, cells called
osteoblasts initiate formation of new bones. Now, when the woman
crosses the age of 30 years, bone resorption occurs faster than
bone formation leading to 'net bone loss. Bone loss is most
rapid in the first few years of menopause and continues into the
menopausal years. This is the reason why the bones in post
menopausal women become weak