The Top Health Problems Affecting Women Over 50 in the United States: 10 Statistics That Will Surprise You
Women over 50 face a shifting health landscape, and many risks rise quietly before symptoms appear. The good news is that informed prevention, regular screening, and early care can change outcomes.
Here are 10 research-backed statistics that reveal the biggest health challenges facing women over 50 in the United States.
1. Heart Disease Causes About 1 in Every 5 Female Deaths
Many women fear breast cancer the most. However, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in every 5 female deaths results from cardiovascular disease.
2. Nearly Half of U.S. Adults Have High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure often rises with age, especially after menopause.
The American Heart Association reports that nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension. The prevalence increases among older adults.
3. More Than 43% of Women Over 50 Will Experience an Osteoporotic Fracture
Bone loss accelerates after menopause because estrogen levels decline.
According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately one in two women over age 50 will experience a fracture related to osteoporosis during their lifetime.
4. About 80% of Women Will Develop Uterine Fibroids by Age 50
Fibroids are among the most common gynecologic conditions in women.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that up to 70 – 80% of women develop uterine fibroids by age 50, although many never experience symptoms.
For women who have symptoms, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and anemia can significantly affect daily life.
Fortunately, hysterectomy is not the only treatment option. Depending on the characteristics of the fibroids, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) may provide a minimally invasive alternative that preserves the uterus.
5. More Than 6 Million American Women Live With Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is often associated with men, but millions of women also live with this condition.
The American Heart Association estimates that more than 6.5 million Americans have PAD. Studies suggest women are frequently underdiagnosed because symptoms may be atypical.
Leg pain while walking, slow-healing wounds or cold feet deserve medical evaluation.
6. About 1 in 10 Americans live with diabetes, and the risk rises with age
Diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss.
7. About Half of Women Experience Urinary Incontinence During Their Lifetime
Urinary leakage is common, but it should never be considered an unavoidable part of aging.
Research summarized by the American Urogynecologic Society shows that up to 50% of women experience some form of urinary incontinence.
8. More Than 60% of Women Have Overweight or Obesity
Excess body weight increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and several cancers.
Data from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics show that the majority of middle-aged and older women live with overweight or obesity.
9. Approximately 1 in 3 Women Will Develop Dementia, Stroke, or Parkinson’s Disease During Their Lifetime
Brain health becomes increasingly important after menopause.
Research published by the Women’s Brain Health Initiative and supported by large epidemiological studies estimates that one in three women will develop dementia, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease during their lifetime.
10. About 1 in 8 women born in the United States today will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
Breast cancer risk rises with age, and the National Cancer Institute estimates that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop it during her lifetime.
Many women think breast cancer is mainly a concern for older age only, but the risk starts building much earlier and continues over time. Also, family history is only one part of the picture, so women without a strong family history still need screening.
When to seek care
Women should talk with a clinician if they notice fatigue, swelling, leg pain, chest discomfort, frequent urination, or unexplained weight changes.
They should also ask about vascular health if they have a history of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of stroke or heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Academic and Medical Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Women’s Heart Disease
https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/women-and-heart-disease.html
American Heart Association – Women and Cardiovascular Disease
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
Society of Interventional Radiology – Uterine Fibroid Embolization
https://www.sirweb.org/patients/conditions-and-treatments/uterine-fibroids
CDC National Center for Health Statistics
National Cancer Institute — Breast Cancer Risk in American Women: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/risk-fact-sheet
Dr. Julien has performed more than 40,000 vascular procedures across a 30-year career. Double board-certified in Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology, he is the co-founder and past president of the Outpatient Endovascular & Interventional Society, a national faculty speaker at SIR, TCT, VIVA, and the Southeastern Angiographic Society, and a published author. Named a Boca Magazine Top Doctor 2025.
