Around 80 of those who have osteoporosis are women – mostly due to a sharp decline in estrogen levels post-menopause
It is commonly believed that only women develop osteoporosis. However, doctors say the condition – which weakens your bones, makes them thinner and less dense than they should be – can affect anyone irrespective of sex or gender. Even though according to statistics, osteoporosis is significantly more common in women than in men.
Why do symptoms of osteoporosis show more in women than men?
According to experts, women mostly develop symptoms of osteoporosis due to menopause. “Women, particularly after menopause, are at a higher risk,” Dr. Rajeev Verma, HOD and Consultant, Joint Replacement and Orthopedics, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, told Times Now.
Around 80 per cent of those who have osteoporosis are women – mostly due to a sharp decline in estrogen levels post-menopause. Estrogen plays a crucial role in protecting bone density, and its reduction accelerates bone loss. “As a result, women experience a more rapid decrease in bone mass, making them more susceptible to fractures, especially in the spine, wrist, and hip,” Dr. Verma added.
However, this does not mean that osteoporosis cannot affect males.
Age of onset in women vs men
Experts say women develop osteoporosis earlier than men because:
- They have faster age-related bone loss than males
- Typically have smaller and thinner bones
- Have smaller bodies
- Many women suffer from eating disorders which lead them to severely limit the foods they eat, causing calcium and vitamin D deficiency.
According to the World Health Organisation, men develop osteoporosis around a decade later than women. “By the age of 80, the prevalence of osteoporosis in men catches up with that in women,” said Dr. Verma.
What are the reasons behind osteoporosis in men?
Dr. Verma says men can be more prone to developing secondary osteoporosis, often caused by lifestyle factors like:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Long-term use of medications
- Hormonal changes
“Both men and women with osteoporosis are at high risk of fractures, which can have devastating consequences. Hip fractures, in particular, are associated with significant morbidity in older adults,” he added.
Ways to prevent osteoporosis
For both men and women, a few ways to prevent osteoporosis include:
Exercise
According to doctors, your bones can get stronger with the help of regular exercise. Your bones can become stronger with the help of weight-bearing exercises that force your body to work against gravity as you move.
Intake of calcium and vitamin D
Most adults need around 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily and when your body does not have enough of the nutrient, it starts to break down your bones to get what it needs. So, it is important to make sure you have this nutrient every day in your diet.
Quit smoking
Smoking doubles the chance of bone loss and fractures by keeping the hormone estrogen in your body from working well.
Avoid carbonated drinks
Studies say colas - more than other carbonated soft drinks cause more bone loss. It may be that the extra phosphorus in them keeps your body from absorbing calcium. Or it may just be that women are replacing calcium-rich drinks, such as milk, with soda.
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