Final answer:
Women, particularly those who are postmenopausal, are the most affected demographic by osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency. Lifestyle factors and family history also contribute to risk, whereas prevention through diet, exercise, and safety can mitigate the severe effects of the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis primarily affects postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes that decrease bone density. Around the age of 50, women experience menopause, which leads to the cessation of estrogen production by the ovaries. Estrogen is essential for promoting osteoblast activity and bone matrix production; therefore, its deficiency leads to increased bone resorption and a higher propensity for osteoporosis. Additionally, risk factors such as family history, European or Asian ancestry, short stature, small bones, and lifestyle factors like smoking, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition also play significant roles in the development of the disease. Prevention strategies include adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, as well as weight-bearing exercise from a young age to build and maintain maximum bone mass.
Osteoporotic fractures, particularly in the hip, vertebrae, and wrist, can cause debilitating pain and severe complications in the elderly. The disease is characterized histologically by a reduction in bone compactness and trabecular size and number in cancellous bone. Improving lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, removing environmental hazards, and monitoring bone health can help in reducing the risk of fatal complications from fractures.