Text, pages 2-13 Bibliography, pages 14-15

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disorder that commonly affects older women. It is marked by an abnormal curvature in the upper spine, increased resorption, bone mineralization, and other debilitating effects. The cause or causes of this disease have yet to be fully understood; however, there are indications that both genetic and non-genetic factors are at work. This paper will discuss the body’s ability to mineralize a suficient amount of bone and the resorption of bone – a contributing factor of osteoporosis. To understand the body’s adaptive strategy for guarding against osteoporosis, this paper will discuss the role of calcium and vitamin D intake, hormone levels, age and gender factors, and levels of physical activity. While there are numerous other factors that are believed to contribute to the disease, I will only discuss these three. The results will show that the human adaptive ability has been surpassed by bone development and hormonal changes