Approximately what percentage of osteoporosis cases occur in women?

• A. 60%
• B. 80%
• C. 70%
• D. 90%

Answer: (B)

Osteoporosis shows a strong female predominance because estrogen helps protect bone, and women experience a sharp drop in estrogen after menopause. This hormonal change accelerates bone loss, so over the population, a large majority of osteoporosis cases occur in women. Approximately four-fifths, or about 80%, of osteoporosis cases are in women, with the remaining roughly one-fifth in men. The other percentages don’t fit this well-established pattern: underestimating the female share misses the hormonal impact, while overestimating it would imply an even fewer cases in men than is typical.