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Women and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton in which bones become brittle and prone to fracture as a result of lost density. Unfortunately, osteoporosis is not often diagnosed until bone density has decreased to the point where fractures occur with mild stress. Because of this osteoporosis is often referred to as the silent disease. The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis occur in the wrist, spine and hip. These fractures can be painful, difficult to heal, and cause many other issues for women. Hip fractures can lead to immobility and a loss of independence. Spinal fractures can cause chronic pain, stooped posture and loss of self-esteem. There is no known cause or cure for osteoporosis, however several risk factors have been identified and there are treatment methods available.

It is estimated that up to half of all women will experience an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime. Besides their sex, there are several other factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis that are related to women. Risk factors for osteoporosis include race, body type, family history, smoking, alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, certain medications, anorexia nervosa, and low estrogen levels.

Osteoporosis is of special concern to women since they make up about 80% of the population of those living with osteoporosis. Women are four times more likely then men to develop osteoporosis. This may be because women have less bone mass to begin with and they live longer then men. After peak bone mass is reached, all adults start to lose bone mass at a stable rate. As women age estrogen levels decrease and the risk of osteoporosis increases because the loss of estrogen speeds up the rate of bone loss.

Since most women are already at-risk, prevention should start early and be maintained throughout life. Hormones play a big part in bone health. Women who take birth control pills during their reproductive years may reduce their risk of osteoporosis developing later in life, women who have had children also seem to have a slightly lower risk. Hormone therapy is often a treatment for women experiencing menopause symptoms and helps to prevent osteoporosis. Studies show that up to half of all women do not get the recommended amount of calcium in their diets. Calcium is vital to bone health along with vitamin D. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seafood. Milk is also fortified with Vitamin D along with a few other foods; Vitamin D can also be obtained by getting enough sunshine. Dietary supplements may be advisable if adequate amounts of calcium are not taken in. Exercise in combination with calcium has shown to be the best prevention against osteoporosis. A balanced diet and regular weight bearing exercise builds and maintains strong bones because it helps to increase bone mass. The more steps a woman takes to prevent osteoporosis while younger the better the chance of getting osteoporosis and suffering from painful fractures when older.