Bone Loss and Menopause
Menopause may cause up to 20% bone loss
Arm yourself with the facts!
Immediately after menopause, declining estrogen levels cause an accelerated loss of bone of 3-5% per year for 3-7 years. Estrogen protects by slowing the natural breakdown of bone. Without this protective effect, research indicates that up to 20% of bone loss can happen during menopause before it levels off.
The amount of bone you have at menopause and how fast you lose it afterwards are the most important factors in determining if you will develop osteoporosis – 50% of women in their 80s have osteoporosis.
Throughout your life, your skeleton loses old bone and forms new bone. During childhood and adolescence bones grow faster than they break down, creating strong, dense bones.
Between the ages of 18-25, Peak Bone Mass (PBM) is achieved, the greatest amount of bone you will have in life. From this time on, the balance between bone loss and bone formation may start to change with bone breakdown outpacing bone formation.
Bone density by age
Childhood and adolescence - rapid formation
18-25, Peak Bone Mass (PBM)
26+ Bone loss begins slowly
45 years – Early menopause or removal of ovaries and chemo treatment can put you at early risk for developing osteoporosis
Post-menopausal - rapid bone loss for 3-7 years
Later years - slow bone loss
Common signs and symptoms of osteoporosis include
Back pain caused by spinal fractures
Loss of 2 inches in height
Kyphosis or hunched posture
Bone fractures in the hip, wrist, and spine
The percent incidence of fractures rises dramatically with age from 4% in women at age 50-59 to 52% in women older than 80.
Types of fractures are age-related
Age 50, wrist fractures are prevalent, often the result of an outstretched hand to break a fall (15% of all fractures)
From 60-75, vertebral fractures (40% of fractures)
Late 70s, hip fractures (25% of fractures)
For a white American woman at age 50, the risk of suffering an osteoporotic fracture in her remaining lifetime has been estimated at 40%, with two thirds of the fractures occurring after age 75.
Can you reverse osteoporosis after menopause?
The short answer is no, osteoporosis cannot be completely reversed and is not considered curable. But lifestyle modifications can help maintain bone density, and medications can help rebuild and slow bone loss.
In the first 7 to 10 years following menopause, if you can maintain your bone mass, you are gaining. Without exercise and good nutrition, your bones will likely decline and worsen your osteoporosis. So you are ahead of the game by offsetting bone loss.
Whatever your age, the habits you adopt now can affect your bone health for the rest of your life. The ultimate goal is to reduce the risk of falls and fractures and remain independent.
4 lifestyle habits to live by
Exercise to maintain the skeleton, including resistance, balance, and weight-bearing exercises.
Eat a balanced diet, including foods rich in vitamin D and calcium.
Go outside to soak up the sun - sunshine triggers vitamin D production.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
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Disclaimer: The information presented in this article should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider.
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