Menopause Speeds Bone Loss From 1 Year Before Final Period to 2 Years After
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 31
Menopause Speeds Bone Loss From 1 Year Before Final Period to 2 Years After
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 31
Summary
Bone loss can accelerate before menopause is officially confirmed, with an analysis of 862 women showing the fastest decline from about one year before the final menstrual period to two years after.
Falling estrogen drives that shift by letting bone breakdown outpace bone rebuilding, often without symptoms until a fracture reveals osteoporosis.
U.S. guidance recommends osteoporosis screening at 65 and older, and earlier for postmenopausal women whose history and risk factors point to higher fracture risk rather than for everyone with changing periods.
Exercise, calcium, vitamin D and adequate protein can support bone health, while hormone therapy and other osteoporosis drugs may help selected patients depending on age, timing since menopause and medical history.
Access still shapes outcomes: a 2025 audit across 22 Asia-Pacific countries found bone-scan waits ranging from same day to nearly a year, with medicine coverage gaps limiting treatment.