Estrogen Deficiency

• Estrogen helps to maintain bone density. When estrogen levels fall after menopause, a woman's skeleton becomes more brittle.
  
  

Diet

• Women whose diets are too low in calcium and Vitamin D are also more at risk for osteoporosis.
  
  

Weight-Bearing Exercise

• Impact-related exercise stimulates bone and muscle development. A lack of this kind of physical activity is associated with osteoporosis.
  
  

Disease Influences

• Diseases that influence bone density include rheumatoid arthritis, anorexia nervosa, Cushing's Syndrome (high cortisol), thyroid problems and bone cancer.
  
  

Other Factors

• Other risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, being Asian or white, having a small slender frame, smoking, alcohol, and taking anticonvulsants or corticosteroids.