Why do women suffer more bone problems after 40?

Women undergo many physiological transformations across different reproductive phases of life cycle. The transformations are linked to fluctuations in levels of essential hormones. The fall in concentration of the level of estrogen leads the bone to get brittle and susceptible to fracture and results in a condition known as osteoporosis. Estrogen hormone levels are highest when the reproductive phase is fertile and then significantly falls down during menopause. Currently millions of women around the world are suffering from serious health issue called osteoporosis. 1 in every 2 middle-aged women is suffering from low bone density. The data by WHO and IOF or International Osteoporosis Foundation provide that osteoporosis is the 2^nd only to cardiovascular problems globally. IOF shares that osteoporosis leads over 8.9 million fractures every year which means that an osteoporotic fracture takes place every three seconds wherein which 200 million sufferers are women. As per data, osteoporosis leads to more duration spent in the hospital as compared to many other health problems such as diabetes, breast cancer, and myocardial infarction, in women above 45 years of age.

There are many forms of osteoporosis, however, most common 1 is identified in women after menopause which is commonly called primary or postmenopausal osteoporosis. Reports share that am rapid bone loss occurs during immediate 5 -7 years after menopause. Women can lose up to 20% of their density of bone.

Women and importance of bone health

As per survey that was conducted in 11 nations by IOF, denying of personal risk by a postmenopausal woman, lack of discussion regarding osteoporosis between doctor and women and limited access to good diagnosis and apt treatment prior to the 1^st fracture are main factors linked to under diagnosis and improper treatment of the problem. Creating awareness has become very important amongst medical practitioners and women about regular diagnosis and prevention of the problem. Nutritious vegetables and fruits, natural supplements, a diet rich in protein are required to be made an essential part of women’s daily life to support good health of their bones.