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Halting bone loss (and hot flashes!) in perimenopause

“I believe I am one hot flash away from spontaneous human combustion!”

We hear a wide range of descriptions (some humorous!) from women about their most obvious symptoms of menopause — hot flashes, irritability, weight gain and lack of sex drive.

Less noticeable, but no less troubling is the possibility of losing excessive bone at this time of life. Research shows that many women who have a difficult menopausal transition — including hot flashes — are more likely to suffer greater bone loss during this transition.

And for almost all women, most bone mass is often lost during the first few years before the last period than in the first few years after the last period.

Fortunately, many of the natural strategies used to reduce bone loss will also help reduce other distressing menopause symptoms. You can learn more about them in my new video “Tips for Building Bone Health during Perimenopause” and through my Personal Program for Better Bones:

 

 

References:

Crandall, C et al. 2009. Presence of vasomotor symptoms is associated with lower bone mineral density: A longitudinal analysis. Menopause, 16(2).

Crandall, C et al. 2010. Association of menopausal vessel motor symptoms increased bone turnover during the menopause transition. J. Bone Min. Res., published online September 27.

We created the Better Bones blog as our forum to express opinions and educate the public about natural means of supporting and improving bone health and overall wellness. As part of this forum, we sometimes discuss medical issues and medications, and their effects on bone health in general. However, we cannot advise readers about specific medical issues in this forum. If you wish to obtain advice from Susan E. Brown, PhD, about your specific bone health and nutritional concerns, please visit our Consultations page. Other specific medical questions should be referred to your healthcare provider.

May 29, 2012 09:13
menopausal bone loss | Nutrition and Lifestyle | Secondary Causes of Bone Loss  |  Comments (4)

Comments

May 29. 2012 13:01

Please add me to your blog.  

Terry Young

June 19. 2012 20:59

I was warned of my rapid bone loss because my doctor ordered a bone scan when I was 52 and again when I was 54. I lost 15% of my bone density during those two years despite taking lots of calcium. My doctor prescribed Evista which I took until I learned how to use vitamins and minerals properly including maintaining optimal vitamin D blood levels. My bone loss slowed to 1.5% a year and I am hoping that my next bone scan this Fall shows that I have gained density.

Darlene Varaleau

June 20. 2012 16:33

Dear Dr. Brown,
In this blog you state: “And for almost all women, most bone mass is often lost during the first few years before the last period than in the first few years after the last period.”  

I think this is possible, however in a previous blog this year you stated:

“Previous researchers noted a 10% overall bone loss during the 10 years around menopause and the UCLA scientists expected to find the same results…and they did see roughly the same 10% loss. What’s new, however, is that this study clarified that menopausal bone loss is not spread evenly over the 10-year transitional period.  Rather, most of this bone loss occurred in the 3-year period starting 1 year before a woman’s last period and ending 2 years after her last period — known as “trans menopause.

"Source: Greendale, G.G. et al., Bone mineral density loss in relation to the final menstrual period in a multiethnic cohort: Results from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), Jr Bone and Mineral Research, Vol 27, io. 1m Jan 212:1110118.”

Which studies have found that most bone loss is often lost during the first few years before the last period?

Renee Newman, author of www.avoidboneloss.com and Osteoporosis Prevention

Renee Newman

June 20. 2012 17:29

Dr. Brown,

I have another question:
Which studies have shown that an alkaline diet, adequate bone nutrients, good health habits and exercise such as yoga and walking were sufficient to prevent bone loss through perimenopause and menopause without any kind of hormones, strontium supplements or osteoporosis drugs? What types and amount of exercise were required to prevent the loss?

I’m glad that you are encouraging women to take preventive action against bone loss at perimenopause. All doctors should do this. However, it would be helpful to know the details of the studies that have shown it possible to prevent estrogen deprivation related bone loss.

Renee Newman

Renee Newman

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