Bones play a crucial role in supporting the body, protecting vital organs, and storing essential nutrients like calcium. While strong bones are often associated with childhood and adolescence, bone health remains a lifelong priority, particularly for women navigating menopause. According to Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Senior Consultant & Head of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, the hormonal changes during menopause significantly impact bone health, requiring proactive care to prevent long-term issues like osteoporosis.
The Connection Between Menopause and Bone Health Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and brings about a decline in reproductive hormones such as estrogen. “Estrogen plays a pivotal role in maintaining bone density. Its decline during menopause accelerates bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis—a condition that makes bones weak and brittle,” explains Dr Chaudhry.
Women lose approximately 10% of their bone mass in the first five years post-menopause, after which the rate of loss slows down. Dr Chaudhry points out that nearly half of women over 60 experience at least one fracture due to osteoporosis, underlining the critical need for maintaining bone health. Key Steps to Maintain Bone Health Post-Menopause Prioritise Calcium IntakeCalcium is the cornerstone of bone health.
“Women over 51 should aim for 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily,” advises Dr Chaudhry. Foods like dairy products, broccoli, kale,.
