Menopause questions

Osteoporosis is a debilitating health condition that causes bones to become more fragile. It occurs when bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mass reduces, leaving you at greater risk of fractures and breaks. It’s hard to spot the signs of osteoporosis, with many only receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis following a fall, fracture or break. It’s estimated that over 3 million people in the UK have osteoporosis, many of whom are living without a confirmed diagnosis. The condition is the leading cause of fractures in post-menopausal women and older men.

Menopause is a natural change in women aged 45 to 55 as oestrogen levels decline. This can have a serious impact on bone density that can lead to osteoporosis. Women’s bones are typically smaller and less dense than men’s, which means that any loss of bone can be more acute. Not all women will develop osteoporosis after menopause, but you are at higher risk if you experience early menopause, have a hysterectomy before 45 or have had absent periods for more than six months caused by dieting or exercise, says the NHS. While osteoporosis isn’t inevitable, it is a significant risk, with 2 in every 3 women aged over 60 likely to experience a fracture.

During menopause, as oestrogen levels drop, bone density can reduce. This can lead to some women developing osteoporosis. The impact of osteoporosis can be massive, with 2 in every 3 women aged over 60 likely to experience a fracture. If for any reason, your bone mass isn’t great before menopause, you could be at greater risk of developing osteoporosis.

Women over 50 are four times as likely as men to develop osteoporosis. It’s because women begin to lose bone earlier and do so faster than men. As oestrogen levels drop, bone density can reduce. The impact can be dramatic, with women losing up to 30% of their bone mass, with half of this lost in the ten years after menopause. Menopause and osteoporosis are clearly linked, but not all women will develop osteoporosis.

There are loads of things we can all do to improve our bone health. For starters, here are 5 things we can all do:

1. Get more exercise, including weight-bearing exercise
2. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables
3. Stop smoking
4. Reduce your alcohol intake
5. Take regular supplements

The reality is that we’ll all lose bone strength as we age, but there are things we can all do to make stronger bones.

Everyone should get serious about their bone health, but menopausal and post-menopausal women are at higher risk.

You can read more about proven ways to strengthen your bones here.

HRT provides a lifeline for women who are dealing with menopause. Evidence shows that HRT can have a positive effect on bone health, including stimulating bone growth.

While HRT is effective at slowing bone loss, it can raise a woman’s risk of serious conditions such as cancer, which is why it’s rarely prescribed as a treatment for osteoporosis.

It’s important that you speak to your doctor before taking any supplements.

Some supplements can interact with prescription medications, for example. Taking too much of certain supplements could lead to side effects. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should also be careful about the supplements they take.

We provide cautions for all products we sell, but these are generic and may not cover you, your body or your bones.

Our advice is to speak to a doctor before taking any supplements.

At Stronger Bones, we’re on a mission to improve the nation’s bone health.

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