How do osteoporosis risk factors differ for men and women? Know the ways to avoid this

Even though both men and women develop osteoporosis – women are more susceptible to the condition which makes your bones weak and thin due to menopause, smaller bone size and low bone mass. On World Osteoporosis Day 2024, read on to know how to prevent this condition.

There are approximately 100 women in 80 who suffer from osteoporosis – mostly due to the sharp drop in estrogen levels after menopause.

It is generally believed that only women develop osteoporosis. However, doctors say this condition — which weakens your bones, making them thinner and less dense than they should be — can affect anyone regardless of sex or gender. Although according to statistics, osteoporosis is much more common in women than in men.

why do you do Symptoms of Osteoporosis Is it more visible in women than men?

According to experts, women mostly develop symptoms of osteoporosis due to menopause. “Women are at higher risk, especially after menopause,” Dr Rajeev Verma, HOD and consultant, joint replacement and orthopedics, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, told Times Now.

About 80 percent of those suffering from osteoporosis are women – mostly due to the sharp drop in estrogen levels after menopause. Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone density, and its deficiency accelerates bone loss. “As a result, women experience a faster loss in bone mass, making them more likely to suffer fractures, especially in the spine, wrist and hip,” Dr. Verma said.

However, this does not mean that osteoporosis cannot affect men.

age of onset in women vs men

Experts say women develop osteoporosis sooner than men because:

They suffer age-related bone loss at a faster rate than men
usually have small and thin bones
have small bodies
Many women suffer from eating disorders, causing them to severely limit their intake of food, leading to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.

According to the World Health Organization, men develop osteoporosis about a decade later than women. “By the age of 80, the prevalence of osteoporosis in men becomes equal to that in women,” said Dr. Verma.

What are the reasons behind osteoporosis in men?

Dr. Verma says men may have a higher risk of developing secondary osteoporosis, often due to lifestyle factors:

excessive alcohol consumption
smoking
long-term use of medications
hormonal changes

“Both men and women with osteoporosis are at increased risk of fractures, which can have devastating consequences. Hip fractures, in particular, are associated with significant morbidity in older adults,” he said.

Ways to prevent osteoporosis

For both men and women, some ways to prevent osteoporosis include:

Exercise

According to doctors, regular exercise can strengthen your bones. Your bones can be strengthened with the help of weight-bearing exercises that force your body to work against gravity as you move.

Calcium and Vitamin D intake

Most adults need about 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day and when your body doesn’t have enough of the nutrient, it starts breaking down your bones to meet their needs. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your diet includes this nutrient every day.

quit smoking

Smoking doubles the chance of bone loss and fractures by preventing the estrogen hormone in your body from working properly.

avoid carbonated drinks

Studies say that drinking cola in large quantities causes more damage to bones than other carbonated soft drinks. The extra phosphorus they contain may prevent your body from absorbing calcium. Or it may also happen that women are taking soda instead of calcium-rich beverages like milk.

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