Why Is Osteoporosis More Common in Women?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that results in fragile bones, making them more prone to breakage. Bones wear and tear as you age and increase the risk of osteoporosis. It’s more common in women. Out of all the osteoporosis patients in America, 80% are females. Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis because they have thinner bones than men. Bone density in women depreciates faster as they age in comparison to men of the same age group. That’s not all! There are many other reasons why this disease affects women more than men.

5 Surprising reasons for higher risk of osteoporosis in women

1. Being underweight or overweight

Women already have smaller and leaner bones than men. If their body mass index is at the point of being skinny, it means that they are underweight and are at a greater risk of developing this disease. To prevent this, women under 57 kgs should consider weight training to make bones stronger. Similarly, being overweight puts more pressure

2. Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone present in both males and females. It is responsible for managing the reproductive cycle of women as well as protecting and maintaining their bone mass. The estrogen levels in women fall drastically after menopause. It results in bone density decreasing and increases the chance of bone damage.

3. Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the loss of menstrual period in young women. It causes estrogen levels to decline and increases the risk of osteoporosis in women at a younger age.

4. Pregnancy

Gynecologists often suggest calcium and vitamin D supplements for pregnant women. The baby absorbs essential nutrients for growth during pregnancy, which can lead to a calcium deficiency.

5. Medication

Some medications can also play a role in decreasing bone mass. Blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, steroids, estrogen blockers, and anti-seizure drugs can affect bone mass.

6. Other risk factors

Apart from these, many other factors can increase the likelihood of osteoporosis. These risk factors include:

• Excessive Smoking or drinking
• Thyroid problems
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history
• Eating disorders
• Underlying conditions, such as arthritis

Prevention of osteoporosis in women

Consult an Orthopedic Surgeon in Lahore or an Orthopedic Surgeon in Islamabad if you have more than two of the risk factors listed above. They can help you with diagnosis and treatment for this disease. 

Here are some preventative measures that you can take as well:

• Keep your hormones in check
• Exercise regularly
• Add Weight training to your exercise regime
• Take calcium and Vitamin D supplements 
• Eat a calcium-rich diet

Treatment of osteoporosis in women

Osteoporosis has no cure, but the management of the disease is possible with the proper treatment. Treatment depends on whether the fracture risk is low, moderate, or high. In lower-risk osteoporosis, lifestyle alterations such as a healthy diet, exercise, and supplements can make the disease manageable. If the fracture risk is high, your doctor may prescribe medicines to limit the risk of fractures and advise you on working on your bone health.