Osteoporosis in Women

Anyone can suffer from osteoporosis. In fact, it is estimated that over 10 million people in America suffer from the condition. However, while it has the potential to affect men, osteoporosis in women is far more common, with 8 in 10 of those suffering from the condition being female.

Osteoporosis is far more common in women due to a variety of factors, but overall the higher risk stems from the fact that women tend to have a smaller build than men, resulting in smaller bones. Hormone fluctuations throughout their lives also result in more rapid bone loss in women.

Even though osteoporosis in women is more common than in men, and most women will have to deal with the effects of this condition to some degree in their lives, it does not mean that they are helpless to the disease. There are a variety of steps that women can take to lower their risk factor for osteoporosis and prevent the disease from causing painful and debilitating breaks and fractures. Eating right, getting proper nutrition, exercising, taking supplements and getting routine bone density screenings can all help ensure that women can combat osteoporosis to the best of their abilities.

If you are a woman who is concerned about your risk for developing osteoporosis, consult with your primary care provider. He or she will be able to review your individual osteoporosis risk factors and help you determine what your risk is, as well as recommend ways to prevent or lessen the effect of osteoporosis in women and give you the information you need to live a healthy, happy life.