Menopause and Osteoporosis Risk: What You Should Know

In the United States, osteoporosis is the leading cause of weakened bones. Menopause is a natural part of aging that brings changes to a woman’s body, including an increased risk of osteoporosis.

At Keven Tagdiri, M.D. in Encinitas, California, we help women understand what’s happening during this stage of life and how to protect their bones for the long run.

Osteoporosis explained

Osteoporosis weakens bones, so they’re more likely to fracture. It’s often called a silent disease because it develops slowly and without symptoms. Many people don’t know they have it until they break a bone from something as simple as a minor fall or a strong sneeze.

Bone loss happens naturally as you age, but for women, the risk rises sharply after menopause because estrogen levels drop significantly.

The hormone estrogen plays a key role in many female reproductive system functions and helps keep bones strong. It slows the activity of cells that break down bone (osteoclasts) and supports the production of new bone tissue.

When estrogen levels decline during menopause, women lose this protective effect. As a result, the breakdown of bone outpaces new bone formation. Bone deterioration accelerates rapidly after menopause, with more than half of women 85 and over affected by osteoporosis.

Bone thinning increases the risk of fractures, especially in the hips, spine, and wrists. These breaks can be painful and involve long recovery times, even long-term disability. Hip fractures, in particular, typically cause significant loss of mobility, especially in older adults.

In addition, the spine can lose height and stability due to vertebral compression fractures, leading to a stooped posture (called a dowager’s hump) and chronic back pain.

Osteoporosis risk factors

While all postmenopausal women are at increased risk of osteoporosis, the following factors make it even more likely:

• Early menopause (before age 45)
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Thin or small body frame
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Low calcium or vitamin D intake
• Lack of physical activity
• Certain medical conditions and medications

Understanding your risk factors is a great first step in protecting bone health. At our office, we use a DEXA scan to measure bone density. It’s a painless, quick test that helps us determine whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk.

We also check your vitamin D and hormone levels and discuss your family history and lifestyle habits. Based on your results, we work with you to develop a personalized prevention or treatment plan.

Protecting your bones from osteoporosis

Here are our recommendations for keeping your bones healthy, especially during and after menopause:

Get enough calcium and vitamin D

These micronutrients are essential for bone strength. You can get them through food, supplements, or both.

Stay active

Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, or light strength training help maintain bone mass.

Quit bad habits

Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol; these habits can speed up bone loss.

Talk to your doctor

We may recommend medications if you’re at high risk of osteoporosis or have bone loss already. Some medicines help slow bone loss, while others help build new bone tissue.

We can slow or even prevent osteoporosis with early detection and the right approach. If you’re over 40 or already experiencing perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and irregular periods, it’s the perfect time to check in on your bone health.

Menopause marks a major life transition, and it’s important to understand how it impacts your health, especially your bones. With the proper care, attention, and lifestyle choices, you can reduce your osteoporosis risk and keep living an active, healthy life.

If you’re ready to take charge of your bone health, request an appointment with Dr. Keven Tagdiri by phone or online today.