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Preventing Osteoporosis and the Risk of Fractures in Women
Osteoporosis is largely preventable among women, yet many are unaware of its implications until a fracture occurs. Statistically, 50% of women will sustain an osteoporotic fracture before death, often without prior diagnosis. Bone density is critical; the stronger and thicker the bones, the less susceptible they are to fractures. However, the natural process of bone remodeling leads to challenges, particularly during menopause, where women experience a significant loss of bone density due to declining estrogen levels. This results in porous bones that are more prone to fractures. The consequences of such fractures can be severe, especially in women over 65, where complications from hip fractures lead to a 29% chance of death within the first year, even with surgical intervention, and as high as 79% without it. Surviving these incidents often leads to chronic disabilities affecting one's quality of life and independence. Hence, proactive measures to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis are crucial for women's health as they age.