Understand this symptom
Loss of bone density
Uma Health
Insight
The essentials
This symptom is caused by the hormonal shifts your body is going through. Understanding what's happening helps you better cope with what you're feeling.
The (possible) cause
Your bones are constantly building and breaking down. Around and after menopause, this balance shifts. Due to the drop in estrogen, the body can break down bone faster than it can rebuild it. This is one reason why osteoporosis is more common in women after menopause. Genetics, low body weight, lack of exercise, smoking, certain medications (such as long-term use of cortisone), or early menopause can further increase the risk.
What (often) helps
The basics remain surprisingly clear: bones thrive under stress. Regular exercise with impact and force (walking, climbing stairs, strength training) supports bones and muscles. Nutrition also matters: sufficient calcium and vitamin D help your body maintain bone tissue. If you have an increased risk, a bone density test can be helpful to assess your situation. Also discuss this if you've already suffered a fracture after a minor fall, or if osteoporosis runs in your family.
Osteoporosis is often a “silent” change
Osteoporosis usually develops slowly. You don't feel any "bone pain" while your bone density decreases. That's why osteoporosis is often only discovered after a fracture. This makes prevention and early risk assessment important.
Why the risk increases after menopause
Estrogen helps protect your bones. When this hormone decreases, bone loss can accelerate. This is a normal change, but the rate varies greatly between women. For some, it remains limited. For others, it progresses toward osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Risk factors that require extra attention
- You entered menopause early
- Osteoporosis often runs in your family
- You have already suffered a fracture after a minor fall
- You use cortisone-like medication for a long period of time
- You have a low body weight or little muscle mass
If you recognize yourself in this, it is worth having your risk assessed.
What you can do yourself: three levers
1) Movement that stimulates bones
Bones respond to stress. Walking, climbing stairs, and strength training help keep your bones and muscles strong.
2) Nutrition as a basis
A calcium-rich diet and sufficient vitamin D support your bone metabolism. If you don't get much sunlight, your doctor may recommend checking this.
3) Fall prevention
Stronger legs, better balance, and a safe home environment reduce your risk of fractures. It sounds simple, but the impact can be significant.
When is the best time to get it checked?
- You have had a fracture that does not “fit” the impact
- You become smaller or suddenly experience a lot of back pain
- You have multiple risk factors at the same time
A bone density measurement (DEXA scan) can help to map your bone density and risk of fracture.