Osteoporosis. Coloured X-ray of a rear view of the lumbar (lower) spine of an elderly woman showing scoliosis (sideways curvature) of the spine caused by osteoporosis. The scoliosis has been caused due to compression and crumbling of the vertebrae (spinal bones) seen at upper frame. Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density that occurs as part of the ageing process. It is more common in women after the menopause, as the ovaries stop producing the oestrogen hormones that help maintain bone mass. It makes the bones brittle and prone to fractures. Physiotherapy and exercise can help to maintain bone strength, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help reduce bone loss.