Bone Health
Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can lead to faster bone loss, increasing the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Our OB/GYNs offer personalized evaluation and proactive care to help you maintain strong, healthy bones during and after these transitions.
We have more than 30 years of experience supporting women across Wellesley, Natick, Millis, and Walpole in managing menopause-related changes.
How Menopause Affects Your Bone Health
During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen naturally declines. Estrogen is the hormone that plays a key role in keeping bones strong by helping the body build new bone and slow down bone breakdown. During this transition:
- Bone density begins to decrease at a faster rate
- Bones become thinner and more fragile
- The risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis increases
- The spine, hips, and wrists become more vulnerable to fractures
Our goal is to help you understand the hormonal shifts during menopause and support your bone health before problems develop.
Signs & Symptoms of Bone Loss You Should Not Ignore
Bone loss can progress quietly, but certain changes can signal that your bones aren’t as strong as they used to be.
- A more rounded or stooped posture
- New or ongoing back pain, especially in the mid or lower spine
- Fractures from minor falls or everyday movements
- Unexpected bone tenderness or aching
- Gradual height loss or needing to adjust the length of clothing
Our OB/GYNs can help you understand whether these changes may be related to bone loss and recommend evaluations or tests if necessary.
We offer same-week appointments open for urgent concerns. Please call (781) 263-0033 or request an appointment online.
How We Support You Through Menopause-Related Bone Changes
At About Women By Women, we care for your bone health as an essential part of your overall menopause care. Our approach is attentive, respectful, and centered on what you’re experiencing. We take the time to explain how hormonal shifts may be influencing your bones, what signs to watch for, and which steps can help protect your long-term mobility.
Our all-female, multilingual OB/GYN team listens closely, without judgment or rushing. During your visit, we review your symptoms, your medical history, and your personal risk factors so we can understand the full picture of what your body is going through.
If you are at risk of osteoporosis, we guide you through the evaluations you may need, including lab work and bone density testing. Once results are in, our provider follows up personally to explain what your test results mean and the treatment options available to you.
Evaluating Bone Strength & Screening for Osteoporosis
We take a proactive approach to identifying early signs of bone loss during and after menopause. Our providers recommend regular preventive evaluations and screening for osteoporosis based on your age, medical history, and menopause-related risk factors.
We begin by reviewing your medical and family history, lifestyle factors, and any symptoms you may be noticing. This helps us identify your personal risk for accelerated bone loss or osteoporosis and guide the next steps in your care.
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is the standard test for measuring bone density and screening for osteopenia and osteoporosis. If a DEXA scan is appropriate for you, we coordinate the testing and explain your results in a clear, supportive way.
We may order labs to check vitamin D levels, calcium levels, thyroid function, and other metabolic markers that influence bone strength. These results can clarify whether bone loss is connected to menopause, lifestyle, or another underlying condition.
Treatment Options for Bone Loss
Your treatment plan depends on your bone density, medical history, and level of risk.
We offer FDA-approved medications that help slow bone loss or improve bone strength when appropriate. Our provider will explain how each option works, what benefits you can expect, and which medication is best suited to your health history.
Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone strength. After menopause, estrogen therapy can help lower the risk of osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk in women. If hormone therapy is safe and appropriate for you, we may discuss how it may support both your menopausal symptoms and your long-term bone health.
Daily habits can make a meaningful difference in maintaining strong bones. We provide clear guidance on:
- Getting enough calcium and vitamin D through supplements and diet
- Adding weight-bearing and resistance exercises to your daily routine
- Balance training and fall-prevention strategies
These strategies often work alongside medication or hormone therapy to improve results.
Your overall health and bone health evolve over time during and after menopause. We schedule regular follow-ups to review your bone health, reassess your risk factors, and determine whether your current plan is still the best fit for you.
Support for Your Bone Strength Through Menopause
Maintaining bone strength during and after menopause is key to staying active and independent. If you’re ready to check your bone density or discuss your risk for osteoporosis, we can provide personalized care.
To schedule a consultation, please call (781) 263-0033 or request an appointment online.
