26th January 2024

Epidemiology

Women are at greater risk of osteoporosis than men due to a decrease in oestrogen production after the menopause. It is estimated that more than 2 million women have osteoporosis in England and Wales. The prevalence of osteoporosis increases markedly with age, to more than 25% at 80 years in women. White men and women are predominantly affected, but people of any ethnicity can develop this condition. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men are thought to suffer with an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.