What is a major risk factor for developing osteoporosis in women?

A major risk factor for developing osteoporosis in women is age and postmenopausal status. As women age, particularly after menopause, there is a significant decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining bone density, and when its levels drop, the rate of bone resorption by osteoclasts increases, while bone formation by osteoblasts decreases. This imbalance leads to a decrease in bone mineral density, making bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures.

Postmenopausal women are at an especially high risk for developing osteoporosis due to the loss of estrogen's protective effects on the bones. This condition often goes undetected until fractures occur, typically in the hip, spine, or wrist, which are common sites of osteoporotic fractures.

Age is a crucial determinant of bone density, as bone mass tends to peak in early adulthood and then gradually declines with advancing age. Thus, both advancing age and the physiological changes that occur during menopause are major contributors to the risk of developing osteoporosis in women.