Osteoporosis After Menopause: What Every Woman in Greater Manchester Should Know

Osteoporosis is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed conditions I see in my rheumatology practice. It affects over 3 million people in the UK, and one in two women over 50 will experience a fracture caused by weakened bones during their lifetime. Despite these striking numbers, many women do not know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone.

Why Menopause Is a Turning Point for Bone Health

Throughout your adult life, your bones are constantly being renewed. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance. During menopause, oestrogen levels decline sharply, tipping the balance towards bone loss. In the five to seven years following menopause, women can lose up to 20% of their bone density.

This rapid phase of bone loss is why osteoporosis is so much more common in women than men, and why the years around menopause are a critical time for bone health assessment. Early menopause, before the age of 45, carries an even higher risk.

Risk Factors Beyond Menopause

Several other factors increase your risk. A family history of osteoporosis, particularly if your mother had a hip fracture, roughly doubles your own risk. Low body weight with a BMI under 19, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity all contribute. Certain medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, thyroid disorders, and type 1 diabetes also increase risk. Long-term use of corticosteroids is one of the most common causes of secondary osteoporosis.

When Should You Have a Bone Density Scan?

I recommend a DEXA scan for all women over 65 and for any woman with risk factors at an earlier age. A DEXA scan is a quick, painless, non-invasive test that measures bone mineral density at the hip and spine. The radiation dose is extremely low.

Specific situations where I would recommend earlier scanning include early menopause before age 45, a previous fragility fracture, taking corticosteroids for more than three months, a parent who had a hip fracture, and having a condition known to affect bone health.

Treatment Options

Lifestyle measures form the foundation. Weight-bearing exercise, resistance training, calcium intake of approximately 1,000mg daily, and vitamin D supplementation of at least 800 IU daily are recommended.

For confirmed osteoporosis, bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed treatment. Alendronate and risedronate are taken as weekly tablets, while zoledronic acid is given as an annual infusion. Denosumab is an alternative given as a six-monthly injection. For severe osteoporosis, anabolic agents such as teriparatide and romosozumab can actively build new bone.

I create individualised treatment plans for each patient. Regular monitoring ensures treatment is effective.

Falls Prevention

Preventing falls is just as important as strengthening bones. Regular exercise, particularly balance and strength training, reduces fall risk by up to 30%. Vision checks, medication reviews, and home safety measures all help.

Self-referral is accepted at my clinic at The Beaumont Hospital, Bolton. Call 01204 404404 to book.

*Last medically reviewed by Dr Leena Das, April 2026*