For women, menopause is a stage of life that creates a major hormone shift, just like puberty (the beginning of a menstrual cycle) and pregnancy. The most common result of a hormonal imbalance in women of childbearing age is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Although, for older women going through menopause, hormonal imbalance can increase the chance of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a health condition that causes weak and brittle bones. Sadly, people with brittle and weak bones, as well as postmenopausal women, are more susceptible to fractures and broken bones. Genetics has been found to play a part in someone’s chances of getting osteoporosis (1)
Understanding hormones and the importance they play in overall health can be overwhelming! Let’s examine how women can balance hormones to prevent osteoporosis before and after menopause.
Hormone Imbalance in Women During and After Menopause
What does menopause do to the body?
Women going through menopause experience physical and mental changes from decreased hormone production, specifically decreased progesterone and estrogen levels. Hormonal imbalance during menopause causes changes in mood, energy, and stress (cortisol levels) due to a variety of factors and symptoms.
- Vaginal dryness
- Hair loss
- Problems sleeping
- Hot flashes, chills, and/or night sweats
- Slowed metabolism (weight gain)
- Low libido
Osteoporosis and Menopause: The Key is to Balance Hormones
Why does menopause increase a woman’s chance of getting osteoporosis?
Menopause causes decreased bone density, mood and energy changes, and reduced sex drive (2). Primarily, decreased estrogen contributes to bone density loss, thereby increasing the risk of osteoporosis in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (3). Essentially, women of all ages with dangerously low estrogen levels are at risk for osteoporosis. Yet, this most commonly happens during and after menopause.
One Swedish study found an average bone mineral density loss of almost 2% in its participants in the first year of menopause (4). Six years after menopause the average bone mineral density loss significantly decreased in these women. These findings were directly connected with the loss of estrogen during menopause (4).
Balance Hormones Naturally
Balancing your hormones can prevent osteoporosis, but what you want to focus on is increasing your estrogen levels. No one thing will balance hormones naturally and ward off osteoporosis. Like all else, it may be time to reevaluate your diet and lifestyle with a medical doctor.
Diet, Destress, and Limit Toxins
Follow our must-have guide to balancing your hormones naturally. Learn to focus on what you eat, taking care of yourself, and what chemicals and substances are around you. While this guide is helpful through menopause, women of all ages can follow it to balance their hormones.
Estrogen Management
Estrogen management (hormone therapy) has been proven to reduce the risk of osteoporosis during and after menopause (3). Healthy estrogen levels offer a greater hormone balance and therefore, a smaller chance of brittle bones. Similarly, healthy estrogen levels can also decrease your risk of breast cancer.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements
Calcium and vitamin D are responsible for building strong bones, but during and after menopause, drinking and eating dairy may not cut it. Taking a daily vitamin D and calcium supplement can be your armor for fighting off osteoporosis.
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Hormonal Imbalance Treatment at CentreSpringMD
At CentreSpringMD, we do women’s health differently. As Atlanta’s top integrative medical center, our mission is to heal our patients inside and out to achieve optimal health and wellness. Our expert integrative practitioners can provide medical advice, and discuss treatment, therapies, supplements, nutrition, exercise, and more to balance hormones.
Are you struggling with hormonal imbalance or going through menopause? You are certainly not alone. Contact CentreSpringMD today to book an appointment with one of our integrative providers. You can even book a virtual consult if that is more on your comfort level. We can’t wait to be a part of your wellness journey.
Resources:
1. https://paulogentil.com/pdf/Genetics%20of%20Osteoporosis.pdf
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037851220900098X
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0029784495004300
