Women are at higher risk of breaking bones and developing osteoporosis, which means a weakening of the bones, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation [Link to http://www.nof.org/ in a new window with off site icon and 3rd party content disclaimer] (NOF).
It is estimated that about 8 million of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis are women. When women age and reach menopause, the hormone estrogen, which protects bones, quickly decreases, according to the NOF. The decrease causes bone loss.
If women do not get enough calcium to strengthen their bones when they are young, their bones are more likely to become weak as they age. The lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, and the weakening can lead to broken bones, especially hips, the spine and wrists, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).