Menopause
Menopause, muscle and bone
Women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density in the five to seven years after menopause. Muscle declines at the same time. Here is why, and what you can do about it.
Why bone loss speeds up
Estrogen helps balance the cells that break down old bone and the cells that build new bone. When estrogen falls at menopause, breakdown outpaces building, and bone density drops faster than at any other time in adult life.
Muscle matters too
Muscle mass and strength decline with age and with lower estrogen. Weaker muscles put less healthy load on bone and make falls more likely. Protecting muscle is part of protecting bone.
What helps
Progressive strength training gives bone and muscle a reason to stay strong. Adequate protein spread across the day supports muscle. Calcium and vitamin D support bone. For some women, hormone therapy started around the time of menopause can slow bone loss and ease symptoms; whether it is right for you depends on your age, time since menopause and health history, and is a decision to make with a physician.
Start early
The more bone and muscle you keep through the menopause transition, the more you have to work with later. You do not need a diagnosis to start.
This guide is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor about your situation.
Start with a 10-minute conversation.
A complimentary phone call with Dr. Spielberg or Dr. Grathwohl to walk through the program and whether it fits you. The call is informational and is not medical advice.