Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : November 16, 2015 3:50 PM IST
Osteoporosis is the weakening of bones and is very common in women. It is characterised by a decrease in bone density as a result of which bones become brittle, and increases their risk of suffering from a fractures. One of the major reasons for osteoporosis is the lack of calcium as many women are not able to get sufficient calcium through their diet and are unaware of other sources. But why are women at a higher risk of suffering from this condition? Well we asked Dr Lipi Verma (PT), Physiotherapist, AktivOrtho and she explains why women need to be a little more cautious about this condition, as compared to their male counterparts.
Why do more women suffer from osteoporosis as compared to men?
There are a number of reasons women are more prone to this disease. Some of the major reasons are --
Thinner bones: Women, in general, have thinner bones than men and are as such more prone to decreased bone density.
Menopause: A woman's hormones are constantly in a state of change throughout their lives. One point in a woman's life where her hormones affect her bones is during menopause. During this phase there is also a considerable decrease in the production of bone building hormone, oestrogen, which contributes to decreased bone density.
The functioning of her thyroid hormones: Women with thyroid disorders (such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) are at a greater risk of reduced bone density due to an imbalance between the thyroid and parathyroid hormones. This imbalance leads to break down or the re-absorption of calcium from their bones, decreasing the bone mineral density. Apart from that vitamin D, required for calcium absorption by the bones, also reduces due to elevated parathyroid hormone levels, which results in the re-absorption of calcium from the bones. It is a way for the body to satiate a woman's body s need for calcium. Here's why Indians should start taking calcium and vitamin D supplements today.
What can women do to prevent or delay its onset?
Generally our bone density decreases by 1% per month and only increases by 1% per year, making the decrease in bone density almost impossible to avoid. Inevitable as bone degradation may be, however, early intervention through exercising, medication and having a balanced diet can slow down the rate of degeneration considerably. The best age to start is before the age of 30, when the rate of bone remodelling is at its peak. Here are a few tips to maintain bone health:
Finally, women are affected more but men should also take precautions in order to maintain their bone density as osteoporosis is 2nd most prevalent disorder after prostate cancer.
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