Women’s Health Equity Initiative:

Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become weak and more prone to fractures, especially of the hip, spine, and wrist.

  • Each year an estimated 1.5 million individuals suffer a fracture due to bone disease. The risk of a fracture increases with age and is greatest in women.
  • Women account for 80% of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis.
  • Only 5% of patients with osteoporotic fractures are referred for an osteoporosis evaluation and medical treatment.

This “silent disease” is more common in women. It affects almost 20% (1 in 5) of women aged 50 and over and almost 5% (1 in 20) of men aged 50 and over. Many people with osteoporosis do not know they have it until they break a bone. Nearly 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries have died from complications within 12 months after an osteoporotic fracture — and more than 60% were women. Screening is important to help individuals take steps to decrease the effects of osteoporosis.

Learn More About Bone Health

Background on Bone Health

Explore The Webpage

Bone Health Policy Agenda

Bone Health Call to Action

Download The Policy Agenda

Bone Health Paper

Read The Paper

Explore Other Health Conditions in the Women’s Health Equity Initiative

SWHR will cover other issues in the future and continues to seek sponsors and health care stakeholders interested in supporting SWHR’s health equity work. Please reach out to the Development Team at [email protected] to learn more about partnering.