Women’s Health Equity Initiative:

Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which bones, especially of the hip, spine, and wrists, lose density and thickness, becoming weak and more prone to fractures.

• Women account for 80% of the estimated 10.2 million individuals over age 50 in the U.S. with osteoporosis.
• An estimated 2 million individuals experience an osteoporosis-related fracture each year; 71% of these occur in women.

Osteoporosis is more common among women, but many individuals do not know they have it until they break a bone. This “silent disease” affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over age 50. Further, the majority of these women do not undergo evaluation or treatment for osteoporosis for up to 12 months after a fracture. Screening is important to help individuals take steps to treat and decrease the adverse effects of osteoporosis early.

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Background on Bone Health

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Bone Health Policy Agenda

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Bone Health Paper

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