At Fertility & Gynecology Center - Monterey Bay IVF, board-certified OB/GYN and fertility expert Dr. Edward J. Ramirez provides personalized, compassionate care for women in Monterey, California. While our state-of-the-art center offers a more intimate setting with one-on-one attention, it rivals larger practices in quality and technology.
Dr. Ramirez and our team are here for you at every stage of life, and that becomes particularly important as you enter menopause. Osteoporosis is a common concern during that time. As estrogen levels drop, bones can weaken. This condition affects millions of women, and if you’re in menopause, you’re at risk.
This May, in honor of Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, we’re diving into what every woman needs to know about how menopause can shake the body’s foundation — your bones.
The decline in estrogen that comes with menopause can dramatically affect bone health. In fact, women may lose as much as one-fifth of their bone density during the first several years after menopause.
This makes bones more fragile and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures — especially in the hips, spine, and wrists. That’s why this stage of life is a critical time to pay attention to your bone health.
You’re not powerless when it comes to preventing osteoporosis. Some simple ways to support your bone health are:
While these measures are very helpful, estrogen plays the most important role of all.
Estrogen replacement is the most effective tool women have in preventing menopausal bone loss. In many cases, birth control pills are a good option.
In addition to relief from hot flashes, mood swings, and other menopause symptoms, low-dose oral contraceptives have a positive impact on bone mineral density, studies have shown.
Or, Dr. Ramirez may prescribe a higher amount of estrogen based on your hormone levels, symptoms, and needs. Many studies over the decades have proved that hormone replacement therapy helps prevent bone loss and reduces the rate of bone turnover.
Additionally, there’s strong evidence to show that women who take HRT during menopause have a lower risk of osteoporotic fractures than those who do not. While estrogen could potentially carry some risks, those risks are far outweighed by the benefits for most women.
For women who are at higher risk of estrogen-related issues, or those who want to avoid the risk, Dr. Ramirez may prescribe selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as Evista®. Such medications work to prevent bone loss during menopause, without the potential risks of estrogen.
Bone scans, which measure bone density in key areas like the hips, spine, or wrist, are another important aspect of osteoporosis prevention. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans typically start at age 65. They can detect minor changes early, allowing you to take action and prevent further bone loss.
Dr. Ramirez recommends the best bone scan schedule for you. If you experience significant bone loss, he may prescribe lifestyle changes or medications that slow bone loss or even build bone density.
Every woman’s experience with menopause is different. That’s why Dr. Ramirez takes the time to understand your health history, symptoms, and risk factors. Osteoporosis won't win with us on your side. Call our office at 831-649-4483 or send us a message to schedule your visit.
