Caption

Osteoporosis, computer artwork. Osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) causes a loss of bone mass and an increase in the bones porosity, making it more brittle and likely to fracture. It commonly affects post-menopausal women, who experience a decrease in levels of the hormone oestrogen. It may also develop after injury or infection. Treatment is with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and drugs that slow the rate of bone loss.