The drop in estrogen that leads to menopause does more than cause hot flashes and mood swings. It also affects your bone health in ways you might not realize until problems develop.
At Solace Women’s Care in Conroe, Texas, Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team help women navigate the bone health challenges that often accompany menopause. With a nod toward Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in May, we’re demonstrating how early awareness and proactive care make a difference.
During the first 5-7 years after menopause, women can lose up to 20% of their bone density. This happens because estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone strength.
Research from the Endocrine Society shows that 1 in 2 postmenopausal women eventually develops osteoporosis, and most will suffer a fracture during their lifetime. That’s a sobering statistic, but it doesn't have to be your future.
The biology behind this stems from how estrogen helps block cells that break down bone. When estrogen levels drop, these cells become more active, and bone breakdown outpaces bone formation.
Many women don’t know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. But you don’t have to wait for a fracture to assess your bone health.
A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan measures how much calcium and other minerals are in your bones. It’s quick, painless, and the most accurate way to:
Most women have DEXA scans after age 65, but if you have risk factors like early menopause or a family history of osteoporosis, we might recommend testing sooner.
Some osteoporosis risk factors are beyond your control. If your mother or grandmother had osteoporosis, you're more likely to develop it, too.
Other risk factors you can’t change include:
Among factors you can control, however, diet, exercise, and certain medications can all help maintain bone density even as your hormone levels change.
Building stronger bones requires a multi-faceted approach. The most effective strategies include:
Activities that make you work against gravity — like walking, jogging, tennis, and weight training — stimulate bone formation. Even moderate exercise makes a difference.
Your body needs both of these nutrients to build bone tissue. Aim for 1,200 mg of calcium daily from food and supplements, and 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D to help your body absorb that calcium.
Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins provide the nutrients your bones need. Dark leafy greens, dairy products, fish, and fortified foods can all contribute to better bone health.
For some women, hormone replacement therapy slows bone loss during early menopause.
Prevention works best when you start early. Whether you’re approaching menopause, in the midst of the transition, or beyond it, now is the perfect time to focus on bone health.
At Solace Women’s Care, we create personalized plans to help you maintain strong bones despite the hormonal changes of menopause. Call our office at 936-441-7100 or send us a message online to schedule a bone health consultation.
