Osteoporosis is an age-related disease. Many studies have confirmed the anti-aging effect of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), but the action of GDF11 on bone metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum GDF11 levels and the prevalence of osteoporosis. Our data indicate negative correlations between serum GDF11 levels and BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. The serum GDF11 levels were grouped into quartile intervals, and the prevalence and risk of osteoporosis were found be markedly greater with increased GDF11 levels. This study demonstrated that GDF11 was negatively correlated with BMD in elderly Chinese women. Furthermore, osteoporotic risk was significantly increased with increases in GDF11 levels.