By Womaness Editors 4-Minute Read
We ask about cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight at checkups. But, um, bone health? It rarely makes the list until there’s some drama like a fracture or a scare. But by midlife, your declining estrogen, lifestyle factors, and even family history can all raise your risk of osteoporosis.
The good news: protecting your bones doesn’t mean guessing or endless Google searches. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking the right questions when you’re with your doctor. Here’s a list worth saving and bringing to your next appointment—because your bones deserve a little love, too.
1. Should I be screened for osteoporosis—and when?
A bone density scan (often called a DEXA scan) is the gold standard for knowing where you stand. Many women are told they don’t need one until age 65, but that’s not the whole story. If you’ve gone through menopause, have a family history of fractures, or have other risk factors, it’s worth asking if you should be screened sooner. Translation: don’t wait until your 60s to find out what’s happening inside your skeleton.
2. What lab tests should I consider for bone health?
Your blood can reveal a lot about your bones. Key tests to ask about include Vitamin D (oh hi, sunshine vitamin), calcium, and thyroid function. Why these matter: too little Vitamin D can sabotage calcium absorption, and thyroid imbalances can quietly weaken bones. These are quick labs that could tell you if your bones are missing something essential.
3. Do my medications affect my bones?
Some prescriptions can be bone thieves. Long-term steroid use, certain cancer treatments, and even some antidepressants may accelerate bone loss. That doesn’t mean you have to stop taking them, but it does mean you deserve a conversation about protective steps—like extra monitoring, supplements, or lifestyle changes—to keep your bones strong while treating other conditions.
4. How does menopause affect my bone strength?
Estrogen isn’t just about periods and hot flashes—it’s also one of your bones’ BFFs. Once your estrogen drops in menopause, bone breakdown speeds up, sometimes dramatically. That’s why this phase of life can be a turning point for bone density. It’s not all bad news, though: knowing this connection means you can take action now to protect your foundation for decades to come.
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5. What lifestyle changes matter most right now?
Strong bones don’t require a whole new playbook. The moves you’re already making for your heart and mind work here, too. Strength training and weight-bearing exercise signal your bones to stay strong. Pair that with enough protein, cutting back on smoking, and moderating alcohol, and you’ve built a serious defense system. None of this requires an overhaul—just sustainable, good-for-you tweaks that add up.
6. Am I a candidate for hormone therapy or other treatments?
Hormone therapy won't be right for everyone, but it can be a powerful bone protector for some women in menopause. Beyond hormones, there are also non-hormonal medications like bisphosphonates or newer drugs your doctor might recommend if your risk is high. The key is to ask—not just assume you’re out of options. Treatment today is (thankfully!) far more personalized than it used to be.
7. How often should I follow up or re-test?
Your bone-health convo isn’t a one-and-done situation. Depending on your scan results, labs, and overall risk, your doctor may suggest repeating a DEXA every couple of years; maybe sooner if something changes. Regular check-ins give you a chance to track progress, catch problems early, and celebrate wins (like stronger bone density scores after making lifestyle changes).
Please always remember: Asking these kinds of questions doesn’t make you “that patient.” It makes you informed, proactive, powerful, and in charge of your health. So next time you’re in an exam room, urge your bones into the spotlight. They’ve been carrying you this far...and they totally deserve a little attention.
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