From The Conversation · Priya Bhardwaj · · 1m 50s
Menopause weakens bones quietly
Research shows menopause can quietly weaken bones before symptoms appear.
In brief
Research shows menopause can quietly weaken bones before symptoms appear. Menopause can cause bone loss before symptoms, requiring early screening and lifestyle changes to prevent fractures. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Bone loss during menopause
Bone scans can help catch bone loss early but access and cost may be barriers to treatment.
Menopause triggers bone changes
Bone loss can start accelerating before the final menstrual period when natural menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period.
Why bone loss happens
Estrogen helps regulate bone renewal as levels decline during menopause, causing removal to outpace replacement.
Osteoporosis risks
Osteoporosis affects women and men, often with no symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Timing of bone loss
Bone density loss is fastest from one year before final period through two years after.
Fracture risk factors
Clinicians consider low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol, and family history of hip fractures when assessing fracture risk.
Screening recommendations
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for osteoporosis in women age 65 and older or younger postmenopausal women with higher fracture risk.
Exercise benefits
Weight-bearing activities and resistance exercises improve bone density and reduce fracture risk.
Nutrition for bones
Calcium and vitamin D help bones stay strong while adequate protein supports a balanced diet.
Hormone therapy options
Systemic menopausal hormone therapy can relieve hot flashes and prevent bone loss for women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset.
Other treatments
Other osteoporosis medicines can slow bone breakdown or stimulate bone formation for those with specific conditions.
Access to care
Bone density scan waits range from same day to nearly a year across Asia-Pacific countries.
The short version
Menopause can cause bone loss before symptoms, requiring early screening and lifestyle changes to prevent fractures.
