Is Osteoporosis more common in females? The answer is Yes. As compared to males, it is four times more common in females. This is a growing concern worldwide.
According to research conducted on “Gender Disparities in Osteoporosis” at the National Institute of Health, (NIH), the complications of osteoporosis are as much as that of some chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The main risk factors of aging are osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Women are more prone to fractures as compared to men. They are bound to have fractures nearly 5 to 10 years before men. The reason is an increased risk of fall and a smaller bone size.
Quite sadly, the bones become so weak due to osteoporosis that even coughing or a slight bend-over can lead to a fracture.
Later on, we will be discussing the factors leading to osteoporosis in females.
Famous Celebrities with Osteoporosis
Being a Superstar doesn’t make you rock-solid! Famous female celebrities who suffer from osteoporosis are Gwyneth Paltrow, Sally Field, Blythe Danner, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, and Britt Eckland to name a few.
For one thing, it is a surety that whether famous or not you can fall prey to it. Mostly, it gets diagnosed in people who meet an accident and get some fractures. Otherwise, it remains symptomless and undiagnosed for long. Only to be discovered when all hell breaks loose.
What does Osteoporosis mean?
In Greek, Osteo means Bone, Poro stands for porous or passage, and Osis denotes a condition.
So, Osteoporosis means a condition in which the bones get weak or porous.
Is Osteoporosis more common in females?
Yes, osteoporosis is more common in females. The reason behind it is as women menopause, the hormones undergo many changes. As a result, the bone density gets affected.
Estrogen, a female hormone, falls greatly as menopause strikes. This hormone is essential for healthy bones. It can result in a sudden decrease in bone density.
Osteoporosis is the most common in women who have:
- No Periods for more than 6 months due to over-dieting or over-exercising. (Mostly happens in athletes with low body fat.)
- Early menopause (Before 45)
- Hysterectomy (Removal of all or part of the uterus) before the age of 45. Especially when the ovaries get removed as well.
What causes Osteoporosis?
There are a number of factors that may trigger Osteoporosis.
- A Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of Osteoporosis
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 19 or less
- Medical conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, Multiple myeloma, Inflammatory bowel disease, and liver or kidney disease
- Some medications that are used to treat breast cancer, gastric reflux, transplant rejection, and seizures (they play with the hormones)
- Malabsorption issue as in Crohn’s disease and Coeliac disease
- An eating disorder like Bulimia or Anorexia
- A diet having an insufficient amount of Calcium and Vitamin D
- A gastrointestinal surgery, where a part of the intestine is removed. (This limits the surface area for nutrient absorption including Calcium)
- High-dose steroid tablets used for a long period of time
- Being thin or small-framed
- Heavy smoking or drinking
- Being of European and Asian ancestry
- Those females who have got some discrepancy in their hormone-producing glands are more at risk of osteoporosis.
Hormone-related disorders resulting in Osteoporosis are:
- Decreased amount of sex hormones (Estrogen and Testosterone)
- Pituitary gland disorder
- Parathyroid glands disorder
- Adrenal glands disorder
- Thyroid gland disorder
The most common body parts where osteoporosis-related fractures occur are the spine, wrist, and hips.
When can I see a doctor?
If you have:
- Got a hysterectomy before the age of 45
- A history of hip fractures in parents
- Early-onset of menopause
- Taken corticosteroids at the stretch of several months at a time
How to prevent Osteoporosis?
- Remaining active throughout
- Exercising daily from a young age, especially weight-bearing and resistance exercises
- Having a nutrient-rich diet especially including Calcium and Vitamin-D. (Vitamin-D helps in Calcium absorption)
- Calcium is present in dairy products, green leafy vegetables, flour, and fortified flour.
- Vitamin-D is present in Sunlight, fatty fish, and fortified milk and cereals.
 Do Read:11 Health Benefits of Vitamin D- You bring Sunshine to My Life!!
How to manage pain caused by Osteoporosis?
It is not ‘a one-size-fits-all’ way to manage pain. You have to check out what works for you. It can be only one way or a combination of pain management ways at a time.
- Painkillers
- Light massages
- Cold treatment (using cold packs)
- Hot treatment (using hot packs)
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
- Simple relaxation techniques
- Hypnosis
How to prevent the risk of falls?
By:
- Placing an anti-slip mat in the shower and by the sink
- Securing the rugs and carpets
- Placing hand-holding railings all over the house
- Getting your eyesight and hearing checked frequently
Takeaway
These are the reasons why Osteoporosis is more common in females. One must have her “Bone Mineral Density” (BMD) tested every 2 years if she is in or around menopause. Other than that, if you have got your uterus (or ovaries) removed, had a long period of corticosteroids treatment, or have a hip fracture history in parents you must head away to get your BMD test done.
If you are osteoporotic or want to keep osteoporosis at bay, then have regular weight-bearing exercises and nutrient-rich food. Do not rely completely on supplements.