Bone health and density loss are essential concerns as one ages. This is particularly true for women as their bodies undergo multiple changes throughout their lifetime. In fact, bone density loss and concerns of bone health are particularly important for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
This is why we offer advanced hormone therapies and comprehensive and proactive health management at Medi-Gyn. The hormonal changes at menopause speed up bone loss, raising the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and long-term mobility issues. By understanding this biological shift and accessing holistic services, such as those offered by Medi-Gyn Dubai, women can take charge of their bone wellness during this critical life stage. Let’s get reading!
The Science Behind Menopause and Bone Health:
Perimenopause is the phase that signals the beginning of bodily changes that ultimately culminate with menopause (the end of a woman’s reproductive cycle). Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and is triggered by a sharp decline in hormonal levels, particularly oestrogen, as the ovaries slow hormone production.
Oestrogen plays a vital role in regulating how bone is broken down and rebuilt in the body. As its levels drop, bone resorption outpaces bone formation, resulting in a rapid loss of bone mass and density.
Did you know women may lose up to 20% of their bone density during the 5 to 7 years following menopause, and about 50% of their lifelong bone loss may happen within a decade after menopause?
Unlike most health changes, loss of bone density is considered ‘silent’ as there are no signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs. This makes proactive assessment essential.
Why Does Bone Density Loss Matter at Menopause?
It is interesting to consider that while bone density loss occurs with age in both males and females, a significant amount of importance is given to it during menopause in women.
Well, this is because the accelerated bone loss that occurs during menopause does not just show up in your lab tests but actually increases one’s risk for fractures, often leading to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and reduced independence.
About 1 in every 2 postmenopausal women is known to experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime, with the hips, spine, and wrists being the most common sites. These injuries can have a profoundly negative impact on daily life, mood, and social confidence.
For women in Dubai, bone health is crucial due to factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, limited sun exposure (a primary source of vitamin D), and cultural dietary patterns that can impact calcium intake. This is why our experts at Medi-Gyn emphasise education, prevention, and personalised screening to address these risks.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The main culprit in bone density loss in menopausal women is the reduction in oestrogen. Other risk factors that accelerate bone density loss include:
- Early or premature menopause (before age 45)
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Low body weight or BMI
- Sedentary lifestyle or lack of weight-bearing exercise
- Smoking and high alcohol intake
- Certain medications (steroids, chemotherapy drugs)
- Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or rheumatoid arthritis
At Medi-Gyn, we understand that every female undergoing menopause is different. So, we offer a personalised assessment that considers these risks and recommends timely interventions to preserve bone strength.
Symptoms and Silent Risks:
While menopause comes with a host of signs and symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, sleep problems, and others, bone density loss rarely causes obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs. In fact, postmenopausal women may experience fractures even from minor falls, which are often the first sign.
Other signs and symptoms of bone density loss in menopause include:
- Reduced height
- Stooped posture
- Persistent back pain (Indicating weakened spinal bones)
For these reasons, our physicians at Medi-Gyn Dubai recommend routine bone density testing, such as a DEXA scan, which enables healthcare providers to detect bone loss long before it manifests as injuries, allowing for preventive care.
Medi-Gyn Dubai’s Approach: Comprehensive Screening and Prevention
At Medi-Gyn Dubai, we provide comprehensive menopausal care, with hormone therapies and bone health at its core. Our approach to bone health care includes the following services:
- Advanced bone density (DEXA) scans to assess fracture risk early
- Expert-led consultations for interpreting test results and tailoring personalised treatment plans
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and functional medicine therapies to address menopause symptoms and osteoporosis risk using individualised treatment
- Nutritional guidance to ensure optimal calcium and vitamin D intake
- Lifestyle counselling for exercise routines that support bone mass, such as weight-bearing and resistance training
- Ongoing monitoring to track progress and adjust interventions as needed
At-Medi-Gyn, we also offer empathetic, expert guidance and support at every step—from symptom assessment and thorough explanations to actionable prevention strategies.
Critical Interventions: Hormones, Nutrition, and Lifestyle
At Medi-Gyn Dubai, we offer evidence-based treatment plans that are tailored to each woman’s unique needs. Our treatments include:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT and hormone-balancing treatments can help restore oestrogen levels, thereby slowing down bone loss and reducing fracture risk for eligible women. Physicians at Medi-Gyn weigh benefits and risks with clients before recommending an appropriate treatment plan.
- Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: Consuming adequate dietary calcium and vitamin D is crucial for maintaining bone health, especially in Dubai, where reduced sun exposure is a daily occurrence.
- Weight-bearing Exercises: Activities like walking, dancing, or light resistance training can slow bone density decline, improve posture, and enhance balance.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Habits like smoking and alcohol consumption affect bone health. So, smoking cessation and moderating alcohol intake can support healthier bone metabolism.
- Regular Screening: DEXA scans are recommended every 1–2 years after menopause, or sooner for individuals at high risk, as they help monitor bone density.
The Role of DEXA Scan at Medi-Gyn Dubai:
Talking of regular bone health density screening, our experts at Medi-Gyn Dubai use the DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring bone density.
Medi-Gyn Dubai’s DEXA services provide:
- Minimal radiation exposure
- Rapid, painless tests focusing on the spine, hip, and wrist bones (common fracture sites)
- Detailed reports with T-scores indicating bone health status and precise fracture risk
Early detection makes all the difference in avoiding costly and debilitating fractures.
Conclusion:
Menopause brings more than hot flashes and hormonal changes—it marks a turning point for bone health that can define a woman’s wellness for decades. Patients of Medi-Gyn Dubai benefit from the city’s leading expertise in menopause management, bone density assessment, and preventive care.
By combining medical, nutritional, and lifestyle strategies with regular screening, we believe every woman can confidently address bone health challenges and look forward to an active, resilient life in the years ahead.