Do your knees ache when you climb stairs, or does your back feel sore after a long day? While many women brush these off as “just getting older,” these can actually be early warning signs of bone loss, a condition that can silently weaken your skeleton long before it leads to fractures.
Bone health isn’t something we notice every day, but it’s the foundation of our body’s strength and mobility. Understanding how bone loss starts and what signs to look out for can help you act early, especially during menopause, when the risk of osteoporosis rises sharply.
Bone loss, or osteoporosis, occurs when bones lose their density and become fragile over time. Normally, our bones constantly renew themselves, old bone breaks down, and new bone forms in its place. But as women age, particularly after menopause, this balance tips. The body breaks down bone faster than it can rebuild it, resulting in thinner, weaker bones that are prone to fractures.
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because most women don’t realise they have it until a fracture occurs. That’s why recognising the early signs of bone loss is crucial.
Estrogen is one of the key hormones that protects bone strength. After menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly, leading to faster bone breakdown. Studies suggest that women can lose up to 20% of their bone density within five to seven years after menopause.
Other factors that can worsen bone loss include:
If you’ve reached menopause, regular bone density screening (DEXA scan) is highly recommended to check your risk levels early.
While bone loss develops silently, your body may still give you subtle hints. Here’s what to look out for:
If you notice two or more of these signs, it’s worth speaking to your doctor about getting a bone density test.
Certain groups of women are more likely to experience bone loss earlier than others. Here’s a quick overview:
Knowing your risk profile helps you take preventive measures sooner rather than later.
Doctors typically use a DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) to measure bone mineral density (BMD). This painless test helps identify whether your bone strength is normal, low (osteopenia), or severely low (osteoporosis).Blood tests may also check calcium, vitamin D, and hormone levels to understand your body’s overall bone metabolism.
Once osteoporosis is diagnosed, your doctor may recommend treatment options to slow down bone loss and strengthen existing bone.
Medications like TPT 20 Injection, which contains teriparatide, work by stimulating bone-forming cells to build new bone tissue. This therapy is often prescribed for women with severe osteoporosis or those who’ve already experienced fractures.
Other treatments may include:
It’s important to follow your doctor’s guidance and maintain consistent treatment to prevent further bone weakening.
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes can play a powerful role in improving bone health.
1. Eat a Bone-Friendly Diet: Include calcium-rich foods such as:
Don’t forget vitamin D, sunlight exposure for 10–15 minutes daily helps your body absorb calcium better.
2. Stay Active: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, or strength training encourage bones to stay strong. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement daily.
3. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both can accelerate bone loss and interfere with calcium absorption.
4. Get Enough Sleep and Manage Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can negatively affect bone density over time.
Making these changes now can significantly lower your future risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Bone loss doesn’t happen overnight, it creeps in quietly, often unnoticed until it’s too late. The good news is that with early detection, timely treatment, and simple lifestyle changes, you can protect your bones for years to come.
If you’re postmenopausal or notice symptoms like back pain or shrinking height, talk to your doctor about screening and possible treatments. Pair it with good nutrition, regular exercise, and a positive mindset to stay strong, active, and fracture-free.
Your bones support you every day, it’s time to return the favor.