Why Osteoporosis Is More Common in Women

May is Women’s Health Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about a condition that affects millions of women: osteoporosis. Women are especially vulnerable to bone loss, but there are things you can do to stay strong, active, and ahead of potential issues.

At Bone & Joint Specialists, Orthopedic & Spine Center, we take women’s bone health seriously. Since osteoporosis often leads to fractures in areas like the hip, spine, and wrist, orthopedic care plays a big role in treatment and recovery. 

Whether it’s diagnosing bone loss, treating fractures, performing joint replacements, or guiding rehabilitation through physical therapy, we provide the care and expertise you need. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons work with patients in Merrillville, Highland, and Hobart, Indiana.

Why Osteoporosis Is More Common in Women

If you’re a woman over 40, especially if you’re nearing menopause, osteoporosis is something worth paying attention to. 

After menopause, the body produces less estrogen, a hormone that helps protect your bones. When estrogen drops, bone loss speeds up. You might not feel it happening until a minor fall leads to a major fracture.

Women also tend to have smaller, lighter bones than men. That, combined with hormonal changes, makes the risk of developing osteoporosis significantly higher. 

In fact, nearly half of all women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. It’s common, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable.

How to Lower Your Risk of Osteoporosis

So, what are some of the best ways women can stay ahead of osteoporosis? Here is what we recommend: 

• Start With Your Habits: Your bones need calcium and vitamin D to stay strong. Make sure you’re getting both, whether through food or supplements. 
• Move Your Body Regularly: Walking, light strength training, even dancing – anything that puts gentle pressure on your bones – can help them stay dense and healthy.
• Know Where You Stand: A bone density test can give you a clear picture of your bone health before anything goes wrong. 
• Visit Bone & Joint Specialists: If you’re already dealing with joint pain or past fractures, talking with a specialist can help you protect your health.

Bone Health Support in Merrillville, Highland, and Hobart, IN

At Bone & Joint Specialists, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons see cases of osteoporosis every day. We help women across Merrillville, Highland, and Hobart, IN, protect their bone health and stay active through every stage of life.

Call 219-795-3360 to schedule a consultation with Bone & Joint Specialists today.