Hormonal Influences on Musculoskeletal Health
One of the most distinctive aspects of women’s orthopedic health is the influence of hormones on bones, joints, and connective tissues. Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and regulating the balance between bone formation and breakdown. During a woman’s reproductive years, estrogen helps protect bones from weakening. However, as estrogen levels fluctuate during menstruation and decline during menopause, women become more vulnerable to bone loss and osteoporosis. This shift significantly increases the risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists.
Dr. Michael A. Del Core at MD West One in Omaha, NE, understands the critical connection between hormonal health and orthopedic care. He emphasizes proactive monitoring of bone density and encourages early intervention when signs of bone thinning are detected. In addition, hormonal shifts can affect joint health, contributing to conditions like osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees and hands. Recognizing how hormone levels impact orthopedic function allows Dr. Del Core to tailor treatments that consider a woman’s unique physiological changes over time.
Orthopedic Concerns Throughout Life Stages
Women face different orthopedic challenges during each stage of life, shaped by hormonal, anatomical, and lifestyle factors. In adolescence, girls are prone to certain overuse injuries due to rapid growth and increased sports participation. Conditions such as scoliosis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and stress fractures often appear during these formative years and require specialized care to prevent long-term complications. The female athlete triad—characterized by disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis—is also a unique risk that affects active young women.
In adulthood, orthopedic issues often relate to pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal recovery. Weight gain, hormonal changes, and ligament laxity can lead to back pain, pelvic instability, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These concerns may continue after childbirth, especially if proper physical rehabilitation is not prioritized. Later in life, postmenopausal women face an increased risk of osteoporosis and degenerative joint conditions. Each of these stages requires a different approach, and Dr. Del Core’s experience allows him to provide personalized orthopedic care that evolves with a woman’s changing needs.
Anatomical Differences That Affect Injury Risk
Anatomical variations between men and women play a significant role in how orthopedic conditions develop and respond to treatment. Women generally have a wider pelvis, which alters the alignment of the legs and can affect how forces are distributed through the knees and hips. This alignment difference contributes to a higher risk of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries in female athletes. Additionally, women tend to have looser ligaments and a greater range of motion, which can lead to joint instability and overuse injuries if not properly addressed.
Dr. Del Core takes these structural differences into account when evaluating injuries and designing treatment plans. For example, he may recommend specific strength training exercises to target supporting muscles around the knees or hips to compensate for anatomical alignment. This approach not only improves performance but also reduces the likelihood of future injuries. By recognizing how biomechanics differ for women, MD West One provides more effective, individualized orthopedic care for female patients in Omaha and beyond.
Bone Health and Osteoporosis in Women
Osteoporosis disproportionately affects women, particularly after menopause. As bone mass decreases, the likelihood of fractures increases—even from minor falls or movements. This condition can develop silently over years, often only becoming apparent after a fracture occurs. Women over the age of 50 are especially encouraged to undergo regular bone density testing to identify and treat osteoporosis early. Preventative strategies, such as calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, and medication when appropriate, are vital components of long-term bone health management.
At MD West One, Dr. Del Core offers comprehensive osteoporosis screening and care. He collaborates with patients to develop treatment plans that strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fracture. In addition to medical therapy, lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, fall-proofing the home, and incorporating resistance training can have a significant impact. Dr. Del Core ensures that every woman has the knowledge and tools to maintain her bone health, empowering her to stay active and independent for years to come.
Sports and Activity Considerations for Women
Women are increasingly participating in sports and physical activity at every age, from youth athletics to senior fitness programs. While this trend supports overall wellness, it also brings specific orthopedic risks that must be managed carefully. Female athletes are more likely to experience certain injuries, such as ACL tears, hip impingement, and stress fractures. These risks are often compounded by insufficient recovery time, poor biomechanics, or lack of access to gender-specific training regimens.
Dr. Del Core works with female athletes of all ages to address injury prevention, improve performance, and support safe return-to-play protocols. Preventive care often includes biomechanical assessments, strength training focused on stabilizing joints, and education about proper technique. Recovery plans are also adapted to female physiology, ensuring adequate time for healing and minimizing the risk of re-injury. By providing a supportive and evidence-based approach, MD West One helps women in Omaha stay active, healthy, and strong throughout all stages of life.
Comprehensive and Compassionate Orthopedic Care
Orthopedic care for women must be as dynamic and nuanced as the lives they lead. From adolescence through menopause and beyond, women encounter unique challenges that deserve specialized attention and empathy. Dr. Del Core at MD West One is committed to delivering compassionate, comprehensive care that respects each patient’s experience and promotes long-term wellness. His approach combines the latest medical technology with a deep understanding of how orthopedic conditions uniquely affect women.
By fostering open communication and prioritizing patient education, Dr. Del Core ensures that women are empowered to make informed decisions about their care. Whether addressing joint pain, treating a sports injury, or managing osteoporosis, his goal is to enhance quality of life and support physical independence. Located in Omaha, NE, MD West One is a trusted destination for women seeking personalized orthopedic care designed with their unique health needs in mind.
Resources:
Khosla, S., Melton, L. J., & Riggs, B. L. (2011). The Uniqueness of the Female Skeleton and Its Impact on Bone Health in Women. The Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Arendt, E., Agel, J., & Dick, R. (1999). Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Patterns Among Collegiate Sports. The Journal of Athletic Training.
Nieves, J. W. (2005). Osteoporosis: The Role of Micronutrients. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
