Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it weakens bones without symptoms until a fracture happens. In the United States, about 1 in 5 women aged 50 and older has osteoporosis, yet many are unaware of their condition.
The risk increases with age. Among women 65 and older, roughly 27% are affected. By comparison, only about 4–6% of men over 50 have the disease, showing how strongly osteoporosis impacts women, especially after menopause when hormone changes speed up bone loss.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends:
- All women aged 65 and older should receive a bone density test (DEXA scan).
- Postmenopausal women under 65 should be screened if they have risk factors such as low body weight, smoking, family history, or previous fractures.
The goal is early detection before the first fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis-related fractures can have serious consequences:
- Hip fractures often lead to hospitalization, long recovery periods, loss of independence, and increased risk of death within a year.
- Spinal fractures can cause chronic pain, height loss, and a stooped posture.
- One fracture significantly raises the risk of future fractures.
Despite this, less than half of women over 50 without a diagnosis have had a DEXA scan, and screening rates are lower for women aged 50–64 compared to those over 65.
Some women delay testing due to lack of awareness, insurance concerns, or underestimating early postmenopausal risk. However, early diagnosis allows for treatment and lifestyle changes that can slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk.
Women can protect their bone health by:
- Discussing fracture risk with their doctor (including tools like FRAX).
- Getting screened at the recommended age or earlier if at risk.
- Maintaining healthy calcium and vitamin D intake and engaging in weight-bearing exercise.
Osteoporosis may be silent, but its consequences are not. Early screening at age 65 or sooner for high-risk women can prevent life-changing fractures and protect long-term independence.
