Osteoporosis
is a chronic, progressive bone disease that is known for decreased
bone density
and quality, making bones fragile and more susceptible to
fractures
. It is often referred to as a “silent disease” as, up until a fracture, it shows no visible symptoms. About one in three women and one in five men over 50 suffer from this illness, according to a study published in
Osteoporosis International
. Osteoporosis is becoming more and more prevalent worldwide, and women are particularly vulnerable. Here is a closer look at the reasons behind the increase in osteoporosis cases, why women are more at risk, and why it is more frequent than we realize.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis weakens bones by decreasing their structural integrity and density. The bones become porous, with wider holes inside that can even look like a honeycomb structure. This automatically increases the risk of fractures which more commonly happen in the wrist, hip, and spine. The disease remains undetected until a minor fall results in a fracture, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and prevention.
Several factors, such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions, contribute to bone loss. Many people are not aware they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture, making early awareness and preventive measures very important.
Why are women at higher risk?
Women face a higher risk of developing osteoporosis compared to men. Here are some reasons why:
- A greater decrease in bone density results from the menopausal drop in estrogen levels, which causes bone loss.
- In general, women’s bones are thinner and smaller than men’s. Because of their naturally lower bone mass, women are more affected than males by bone loss brought on by ageing or hormonal changes.
- Because of the increased need for calcium during pregnancy and lactation, women may temporarily lose bone. Over time, bone density may be impacted if the body’s calcium requirements are not satisfied.
Why is Osteoporosis becoming more common?
Several factors contribute to the rising prevalence of osteoporosis worldwide:
- As life expectancy increases, so does the number of older adults, who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. As the world’s population ages, more people will suffer from age-related bone loss, which will raise the disease’s total incidence.
- Sitting for a longer duration of time and doing less physical activity are common features of modern lifestyles. Frequent muscle-strengthening and weight-bearing activities are essential for preserving
bone health . Our inactivity might seem relaxing but it actually damages bone health. - Diets that don’t contain enough calcium and vitamin D can be bone-damaging. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for bone growth. These nutritional deficiencies are widespread and can hasten the loss of bone.
- A higher risk of osteoporosis is connected with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid issues.
Early menopause: What it means and why it happens
How Osteoporosis impacts women’s health
Osteoporosis can have severe consequences for women, affecting their quality of life and increasing the risk of disability:
- Osteoporosis-related fractures can lead to chronic discomfort and impairment. Significant mobility issues can result from hip fractures in particular. This might also frequently call for surgery and extensive physical therapy. The suffering women might not recover completely, which could result in them losing their independence.
- A slumped posture or kyphosis (hunchback) can result from compression fractures in the spine.
- Breathing difficulties, constant pain, and a general decline in quality of life are just some basic results of this.
- Anxiety and low physical activity in everyday life might result from the dread of falling and fracturing a bone, which can at times become depressive and lonely.
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
