At the Central Acupuncture Hospital, the number of patients coming for examination and treatment of osteoarthritis diseases is showing an increasing trend. Notably, the disease is showing signs of rejuvenation, with many patients aged about 45-55. The number of cases in women is also increasing.
According to MSc. Dr. Le Dinh Viet, Deputy Head of the International Treatment Department, Central Acupuncture Hospital, osteoarthritis in women appears earlier than in men due to many factors related to hormones, pregnancy, childbirth and musculoskeletal characteristics.
First, hormonal changes, especially estrogen, play an important role. When women enter the premenopause stage, the amount of estrogen decreases significantly, affecting bone and joint health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and degenerative diseases.
Second, pregnancy and childbirth also put more pressure on the musculoskeletal system. During pregnancy, body weight and body center of gravity change, especially when the fetus develops, causing the lumbar spine to bear a greater load. This prolonged condition can contribute to increasing the risk of pain and spinal degeneration.
Third, the musculoskeletal structure in women also has different characteristics compared to men. The muscle and ligament system supporting the spine often has lower mass and strength, and less load-bearing capacity. This is also one of the factors that makes women prone to pain and spinal degeneration problems.
According to doctors, osteoarthritis is no longer a disease only seen in the elderly but is trending towards rejuvenation. Therefore, women in middle age, especially in the pre-menopause stage, need to pay attention to signs of prolonged pain and fatigue, limit exercise to be examined and treated early, avoiding the disease progressing and affecting mobility and quality of life.
