Is it true that only women get osteoporosis, or is this merely a myth?
In the battle against bone-related diseases, a significant disparity exists between the sexes, with women being more susceptible to osteoporosis than men. This discrepancy is primarily attributed to hormonal differences, particularly the decrease in estrogen levels after menopause, which accelerates bone loss in women.
Key factors contributing to this disparity include:
- Estrogen decline: Postmenopausal estrogen reduction results in faster bone density loss in women, increasing osteoporosis risk.
- Longer lifespan in women: Women live longer on average, increasing the period over which they can lose bone density and thus elevating fracture risk statistics.
- Genetic predisposition: A strong hereditary component influences osteoporosis risk, which can differ by sex.
- Race and body weight: Women of white or Asian descent and those with lower body weight are more susceptible.
- Lifestyle factors: Sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition (low calcium and vitamin D), tobacco and alcohol use exacerbate osteoporosis risk.
- Medication effects: Some medications can increase osteoporosis risk differently in men and women.
Females tend to lose more bone density at a faster rate than males, especially after the age of 70. Data suggests that osteoporosis rates in females have increased from 2007-2008 to 2017-2018, but not in males. This may be due to factors such as smaller bones and smaller bodies in females.
Pregnancy and lactation can deplete bone minerals, causing pregnancy-induced osteoporosis, which is more likely to occur in older females with lower body mass. This is one of the reasons females tend to develop osteoporosis and have fractures at younger ages.
It's important to note that people of any sex or gender can develop osteoporosis. However, men have a 70% higher mortality rate after hip fractures than females, potentially due to surgical complications like infections and sepsis. Some research suggests that males who have fractures are more likely to have complications.
The risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis is higher in females than in males overall. In Sweden, the lifetime risk of a hip fracture among females over 50 is 22.8%, while in Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, the figure ranges from 10-17%. In the United States, about 20% of people over 50 with osteoporosis are male.
In conclusion, understanding the factors that contribute to the higher prevalence of osteoporosis in women can help in devising targeted strategies for prevention and treatment. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy body weight are essential for maintaining bone health. Additionally, discussing medication options with a healthcare provider can help mitigate the risks associated with certain medications.
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