Are women more likely to develop osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is an extremely common condition where bones become weak and fragile, especially as people age. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have the condition until after they break a bone.

In addition to an increased risk of broken bones and fractures, the condition can also cause loss of mobility and independence over time.

Osteoporosis risk factors

According to the Food and Drug Administration, women make up more than 80% of osteoporosis cases in the U.S. Additionally, the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation predicts that 1 in 2 women will break a bone in their lifetime as opposed to 1 in 4 men.

“Women tend to have smaller and thinner bones than men which can put them at a higher risk,” says Dr. Sarah Swarts, an endocrinologist at Aurora BayCare Medical Center. “Women also experience a sharp decrease in estrogen when they reach menopause which can cause bone loss. This is why their risk of developing osteoporosis increases as they reach the menopausal stage.”

Other factors include:

• Age
• Family history
• Diet
• Weight
• Alcohol intake
• Frequency of exercise

Age, family history and sex are not controllable factors, but the rest can be controlled through lifestyle modifications.

How you can prevent osteoporosis

“Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent osteoporosis,” says Dr. Swarts. “The key is to start early and build healthy habits into a sustainable practice as you age.”

To prevent osteoporosis, start with these steps:

• Prioritize a healthy diet full of calcium and protein
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Prioritize regular exercise with an emphasis on weight-bearing and resistance workouts
• Quit smoking
• Reduce your alcohol intake
• Focus on getting enough vitamin D through safe sun exposure, supplements and vitamin D-rich foods, such as fish, eggs and red meat

Prioritizing fracture prevention is also important, especially if you already have osteoporosis. Being aware of your surroundings and potential fall hazards is important for preventing potential injuries.

“It’s important to focus on managing your risk factors now to help protect your bones in the future,” says Dr. Swarts. “It can feel daunting, but working on your health and keeping up to date on your exams can help stave off the effects of osteoporosis.”

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