Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of reproductive years and the onset of changes in a woman's body marked by a decrease in estrogen levels. While menopause brings relief from menstrual cycles, it also increases the risk of bone loss, which is a serious health concern.
Here at the Center for Women’s Health in Wichita, Kansas, OB/GYN Sharon Breit, MD, offers effective menopausal solutions to ease your symptoms so you can transition without a major disruption in the way you feel and function.
Among its many roles, estrogen helps keep your bones strong. It regulates bone growth and turnover and protects bones from breaking down.
During menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels can lead to bone loss. In this post, we discuss how you can protect your bone health and relieve distressing menopause symptoms.
During menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels leads to the loss of bone density. Over time, this can lead to a condition called osteoporosis, which is characterized by brittle and fragile bones. Osteoporosis can lead to fractures and disability.
About 54 million Americans are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Women are at a higher risk than men, and this risk increases after menopause.
Factors that increase your risk of bone loss and osteoporosis include:
Certain medications, such as glucocorticoids, also increase the risk of bone loss.
Dr. Breit is pleased to offer BioTe® bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help you feel well as you make the transition through menopause.
BioTe comes in the form of a tiny pellet containing customized doses of bioidentical hormones, which are chemically identical to those produced by the human body. These pellets release hormones slowly over several months.
Bioidentical pellet therapy effectively eases menopause symptoms. Women who received bioidentical pellet therapy have reported a significant reduction in hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. They also reported improvements in mood and energy levels.
Notably, bioidentical pellet therapy can improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women.
Bioidentical pellet therapy has several advantages over other forms of hormone replacement therapy. For example, it provides more consistent and sustained hormone levels than pills or creams, which can lead to fluctuations and side effects.
It also allows for more personalized dosing, which means you receive the exact amount of hormones you need.
Eating a healthy diet is key to maintaining bone health. Calcium and vitamin D are two nutrients that are particularly important for bone health. Calcium helps your body create and maintain strong bones, while vitamin D improves calcium absorption.
Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods provide excellent sources of calcium, while fatty fish and fortified foods supply dietary vitamin D. Women who are at risk of bone loss may need to take supplements to ensure they are getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
Regular exercise also helps you maintain bone health. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and weightlifting, stimulate bone growth and help you maintain bone density.
Exercise also improves balance and coordination, which can prevent falls and fractures. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Early detection and treatment of bone loss helps prevent fractures. Discuss your risk of bone loss with Dr. Breit and get regular bone density tests. If she detects bone loss, Dr. Breit works with you to prevent further loss and improve your bone health.
If you're concerned about your bone health, schedule a visit with Dr. Breit by calling our office or requesting an appointment through our website today. Telehealth appointments are also available. Please call our clinic to determine if your visit is eligible for a telemedicine appointment.
