Hip injuries are the most common cause of functional disability in elderly adults. On average, 20% of adults over age 60 suffer from hip injuries, and this number rises to 40% in adults above age 40 who play sports. But surprisingly, women are more affected than men when it comes to joint hip problems.

“Hip osteoarthritis, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Hip Dysplasia, Impingement, Hernia, and Hip Fractures are some of the common causes of hip pain in older adults. And among these conditions, women tend to suffer more frequently and severe”, says hip surgeons in Mumbai, including Dr. Chirag Patel.

So, why are women more prone to hip problems than men? We deep-dive into this question, based on multiple research studies and found that there are three specific reasons why women tend to suffer more hip problems and, as a result, more hip pain compared to men. Read on to know:

1. Anatomy Makes Female Hips More Vulnerable

All women are born with a wider pelvis to facilitate childbirth. This structural difference in the hip joint alters the angle at which the thigh bones meet the hip socket. Over time, this change in angle increases the stress on the hip joint, making it more prone to wear and tear compared to men.

“Also, women’s hip sockets tend to be shallower than men’s, making them more prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and Femoroacetabular impingement, which cause damage to the hip joint over time,” says a hip surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Chirag Patel.

2. Hormonal Changes Weaken Bones and Joints over Time

Women, in general, tend to have more flexible ligaments and joint sides due to hormonal changes. While this flexibility does enhance mobility, it sometimes leads to joint stability issues, making the hip joint more susceptible to instability, strain, and dislocation.

In addition to this, women are more prone to developing osteoporosis, which weakens the bones due to the lack of estrogen after menopause. This weakening makes bones more brittle and increases the risk of fractures – not just in the hip but across the body.

“What makes it worse is that the fluctuation in estrogen levels around menopause accelerates degeneration, increases inflammation, and worsens osteoarthritis symptoms,” says hip replacement surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Chirag Patel.

3. Women Face Unique Hip Stressors

Due to biological factors, specific conditions in women trigger bone and joint problems more severely over time. For example, pregnancy naturally causes physiological changes that put more stress on bones and joints. Conditions like endometriosis and hernia also impact joint health more commonly in women, often leading to chronic discomfort that manifests later as sudden hip pain – even without injury.

That said, any hip problem at any age can be effectively treated with early diagnosis and proper treatment. Any delay in consultation may further accelerate the damage that’s already occurring- calling for more aggressive approaches in hip treatment. Therefore, especially for women, it is crucial not to overlook hip problems and to report any persistent joint issues promptly, seeking treatment from experienced joint pain specialists.