Osteoporosis and Menopause

Menopause is the period in a woman's life when normal menstrual cycles cease which usually can occur around age 51.

Perimenopause is a time where a female may have irregular periods prior to menopause. 

However, both changes in menstrual cycles contribute to hormone fluctuation which significantly impacts bone health. 

Menopause Affecting Bone Health

During menopause, Oestrogen levels are reduced after menopause, and there's a direct relationship between lack of oestrogen and bone turnover – resulting in the development of osteoporosis. Women typically lose 15­25% of their bone in the 10 years following menopause (about half of the total bone lost during their lifetime). Early menopause (before age 45 years) can lead to a greater amount of bone loss and a higher chance of osteoporosis at an earlier age.

Risk Factors

Risk factors other than menopause include a family history of osteoporosis or broken bones, previous fragility fractures, low body weight some medical conditions, and long-term use of steroid medication.

Women who have one or more risk factors should begin screening for osteoporosis at menopause.

What To Do Next

If the above factors apply to you, feel free to make contact with us or  make an appointment with your GP 

Other lifestyle interventions to help:

•  Regular weight bearing exercise.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight (BMI of 20-25).
• Avoiding smoking.
• Having no more than three alcoholic drinks per day.
• Ensuring adequate dietary calcium intake 
• Getting 15-20 minutes of sun exposure each day to keep vitamin D levels up.