The Truth About Osteoporosis and Gender

When it comes to bone health, one word can cause some serious concern: osteoporosis. This bone disease occurs when the body loses too much bone or stops producing enough bone, or sometimes, both. The result is significant bone loss over time, which leads to bones weakening and can even cause fracturing during daily activities.

Most people associate osteoporosis with women. While women are at a higher risk, men can develop the condition, too. Here are some truths about osteoporosis and gender.

Women and Men Naturally Lose Bone as They Age

We rely on our bones for every single movement and activity. When bone weakness or breakage occurs, it can be life-altering. Lifestyle choices and medications can play a role in bone health, along with gender. But osteoporosis does not discriminate. No matter what gender, this disease is a growing health concern across the globe. While many people associate osteoporosis with older women, men can be affected, as well.  

While men often achieve a higher peak bone mass in their 20s, both sexes lose bone mass after age 40. Women start after menopause, while men start losing more rapidly by age 65 or 70. 

Testosterone Levels Come Into Play

Hormonal changes in both males and females contribute to overall bone health. Menopause is a major contributing factor to women losing bone mass density; some women lose up to 20% in the years following menopause. 

For men, low testosterone levels may affect bone health. While some changes are expected, a rapid drop in testosterone could lead to a deficiency and, ultimately, osteoporosis. 

Lifestyle Habits Play a Mutual Gender Role

For both men and women, lifestyle habits can play a role in bone health. Some of the worst culprits include: 

• Smoking or vaping,
• Living a sedentary lifestyle,
• Eating junk food, including excess salt,
• Not getting enough vitamin D, and
• Excess wear and tear on joints.

While some habits are hard to break, being serious about bone health and osteoporosis prevention can help turn things around. 

How to Boost Bone Health

Both genders need to pay close attention to bone health in all facets of life, especially as they age. Finding ways to keep bone health top-notch is a great way to ward off osteoporosis. Some important tips to remember include:

• Get plenty of calcium each day. We can achieve this through food and supplements. 
• Safely get some sunshine. Natural sunlight helps boost vitamin D levels and improves bone density. 

• Get out and get active. 

• Talk with a doctor. Certain medications and underlying health issues can contribute to the problem. 

Going over lifestyle habits, including alcohol consumption, with a medical professional is a good start on getting bone health in perspective.

Both men and women can be affected by osteoporosis. Some cases are mild, while others are severe. It's never too late or too early to follow good bone health habits. Our bones carry us forward, so we must take good care of them. Small steps can make huge differences for our bones today and years from now. 

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