Osteoporosis: Why Bone Health Matters After Menopause
Preventing silent fractures as you age
Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without any symptoms until a sudden, painful fracture happens—often from a minor fall or simply bending over.
The Role of Estrogen
Throughout a woman's life, the hormone estrogen protects bones and keeps them strong. During menopause, estrogen levels plummet drastically. This leads to a rapid period of bone loss in the first 5 to 7 years after menopause.
How to Protect Your Bones
- Calcium & Vitamin D: Ensure your diet is rich in calcium (dairy, leafy greens) and that your Vitamin D levels are optimal. Vitamin D is required to absorb calcium.
- Strength Training: Weight-bearing exercises (walking, dancing, lifting light weights) force your bones to adapt and become denser.
- DEXA Scans: Women over 65 (or younger postmenopausal women with risk factors) should get a Bone Mineral Density (DEXA) scan to check for early signs of osteoporosis.