Osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a silent disease because a person may be afflicted with it for many years without any symptoms. Minor fractures may even occur without any pain so they are not detected right away. Many do not become aware of their condition until they suffer a painful fracture. Anyone can be affected by osteoporosis, yet it is most common in postmenopausal women. Fractures resulting from Osteoporosis are about twice as common in women than in men.