What it is
Estrogen keeps the cells that break down bone in check. When it falls at menopause, breakdown outpaces rebuilding. Bone loss runs fastest in the first five years after your final period.
You cannot feel it happening. The first sign is often a broken wrist, hip, or vertebra from a minor fall. About 1 in 2 women over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.
This part of menopause responds well to early action. Stopping loss now beats trying to rebuild bone later, which is why the first years after your final period matter most.
Who is at higher risk
- Every woman within 10 years of her final period, the window of fastest loss
- Women who went through menopause before 45
- Anyone with a parent who broke a hip
- Anyone who broke a bone as an adult from a minor fall
- Women who have taken long courses of steroid medication
- Women with a small frame, low body weight, or years of low calcium intake
- Current or former smokers
How Dr. Mueller protects your bones
- 1
Risk check
Dr. Mueller reviews your age, family history, medications, and habits.
- 2
DEXA when needed
A bone density scan at 65, or younger with risk factors.
- 3
Build the basics
Calcium from food, vitamin D, and strength training twice a week.
- 4
Treat when indicated
Hormone therapy or a bone medication if your fracture risk runs high.
- 5
Repeat the scan
A follow-up DEXA in one to two years shows whether the plan is working.
Questions people ask
- When should I get a bone density scan?
- At 65 for most women. Earlier if you broke a bone as an adult, went through menopause before 45, or have other risk factors.
- Does hormone therapy protect bones?
- Yes. Estrogen prevents the rapid bone loss after menopause and is FDA-approved to prevent osteoporosis.
- When does bone loss start?
- It accelerates around the final period (age 51 on average) and runs fastest for about five years after.
- How much calcium do I need?
- About 1,200 mg a day after menopause, food first. Supplements only fill the gap your diet leaves.
- What exercise builds bone?
- Weight-bearing and resistance work: brisk walking, lifting, stairs. Twice a week or more.
- What is osteopenia?
- Bone density lower than average but not yet osteoporosis. It is a flag to act, not a disease.