Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men for several reasons. First, women generally have lower bone density than men throughout their lives. Second, after menopause, women's estrogen levels drop significantly. Estrogen is a key hormone that helps protect bones. The lack of estrogen accelerates bone loss. Additionally, pregnancy and breastfeeding can also affect women's bone density. Although men also experience bone loss as they age, it usually occurs later and is less severe.