Bone Health and Perimenopause

The Effects of Perimenopause on Bone Health

Estrogen is crucial for promoting the creation of new bone cells. When estrogen levels begin to drop during perimenopause, the hormonal protection against osteoporosis is lost. This loss of bone density is particularly accelerated in late perimenopause and early menopause.

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that occurs when the bone density and mass decreases. This tends to occur in women after the protection of estrogen is decreased in periomenopause and menopause. This puts you at higher risk for fractures, which can lead to decreased mobility and functional ability. 

One way to help prevent this is to ensure that you promote your bone health via exercise. Strength training in women has been shown to promote bone health and improve bone density. 

A well-balanced diet, cessation of smoking, and avoidance of alcohol consumption are also protective for bone health. 

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation are also important for bone health. This can improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. 

Hormonal replacement therapy for the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can also help promote bone density, since the low estrogen in the body is being replaced. 

In menopausal women, bone mineral density screening is also available. This is called a DEXA scan and is recommended by the USPSTF to screen for osteoporosis in women aged 65 and older. 

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-Written by Paavana Varanasi