Menopause brings a new stage full of opportunities, but it definitely implies important changes in our body structure. For instance, a significant hormone decrease can directly affect our bone health during this transition phase. Regarding this, a condition we must know is postmenopausal osteoporosis, which represents a common worry for many women (1, 2, 3).
We will guide you through causes, symptoms, and the most effective strategies to maintain bone strength and live fully.
What is postmenopausal osteoporosis?
Experts define postmenopausal osteoporosis as a disease that compromises bone resistance and increases fracture risk significantly (4). Furthermore, doctors consider it the most frequent metabolic bone disease currently affecting women worldwide. The main cause lies in oestrogen deficiency, which inevitably occurs after menstruation stops permanently (1, 2).
How it affects bone structure: loss of mass and fragility
Oestrogen plays a crucial role in the bone renewal cycle, as it helps balance tissue formation and destruction. However, as oestrogen levels fall, the bone resorption process accelerates rapidly within the body. Essentially, the consequence is loss of bone density and deterioration of the internal microarchitecture. Because of this, bones become porous and thin, leading to great bone fragility over time (5).
Symptoms and signs of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Doctors call osteoporosis a "silent disease" because it presents no obvious symptoms until bone mass loss becomes significant (6). That is, you might not notice anything until a sudden fracture actually occurs. Its signs are (4):
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Back pain from vertebral fractures: this pain might appear suddenly or, alternatively, it can happen gradually. In fact, it often worsens noticeably when you are standing or walking for some time.
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Loss of height and stooped posture: compression fractures in the spine can decrease your height over the years. Likewise, you may develop the known "dowager's hump" due to curvature of the upper back.
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Frequent fractures: Hip, wrist, spine: these frequent fractures are undoubtedly the condition's most severe manifestation.
On the other hand, we must point out a less common symptom: capillary fragility leading to easy skin bruising.
Associated risk factors
Undoubtedly, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition, such as advanced age or family history. Firstly, having a family history of osteoporosis and experiencing early menopause are determining factors. Likewise, specific life choices contribute significantly to the development of this bone condition (2, 4):
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Lifestyle: sedentary habits, smoking, poor diet: lack of physical activity with body weight weakens the skeleton significantly. Moreover, a diet with low calcium intake will negatively affect your bone density over time.
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Other medical conditions: certain gastrointestinal diseases or prolonged use of medicines like corticoids also increase the risk considerably.
Prevention for postmenopausal osteoporosis
The best treatment is prevention, of course, so at Issviva, we invite you to take proactive measures today. Therefore, follow these essential tips to care for your bone health effectively:
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Diet rich in calcium and vitamin D: adequate intake is essential, as calcium is the fundamental mineral. Thus, calcium builds bone structure, while vitamin D is crucial because it helps the body absorb calcium efficiently. This prevention with calcium and vitamin D must be a daily priority for everyone (6-8).
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Weight-bearing physical exercise and muscle strengthening: furthermore, regular physical activity with weight load stimulates new bone formation. Consequently, the exercises you can prioritise in your routine are:
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Walking or jogging regularly.
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Climbing stairs and dancing.
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Weightlifting or muscle-strengthening exercises for the back.
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Balance exercises, like Tai Chi, which help prevent falls.
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Avoid alcohol and tobacco: finally, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are associated with lower bone mass and fracture risk.
Management and treatment
If you have already received a postmenopausal osteoporosis diagnosis, various effective management options exist for you (4-10):
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Antiresorptive medication and other drugs: pharmacological treatments usually include bisphosphonates, which effectively prevent further bone mass loss.
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Medical monitoring and bone density tests.
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Lifestyle changes and rehabilitation: maintain a healthy diet, ensure calcium and vitamin D supply, and perform adapted exercise.
When to consult the doctor
Being proactive with your health is essential; therefore, you must always watch for early signs. If you experience intense back pain or notice significant height loss, for example, seek immediate medical evaluation. Lastly, do not wait until fractures occur to visit your specialist.
Your bone health and menopause: the Issviva commitment
Ultimately, postmenopausal osteoporosis is a manageable reality, and, above all, it is preventable with care. The key lies in early action and expert information to counteract oestrogen deficiency effectively. We need a lifestyle that favours our bone health to enjoy this stage.
At Issviva, we understand you deserve personalised medical accompaniment and integral support for prevention with calcium and vitamin D.
Therefore, if you seek expert support and tools to strengthen postmenopausal bone health, we invite you to learn about our specialised services at Issviva.
References
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Barnaclínic+. Osteoporosis y menopausia, estrechamente relacionadas [Internet]. Barcelona: Barnaclínic; Oct 2021 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://www.barnaclinic.com/blog/womens-health/osteoporosis-y-menopausia/
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Diagnóstico Rojas. Impacto de la osteoporosis postmenopáusica en las mujeres [Internet]. Buenos Aires: Diagnóstico Rojas; Jun 2024 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://www.diagnosticorojas.com.ar/blog/salud/osteoporosis-postmenopausica-en-mujeres-factores-de-riesgo/
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Regenera Health. Guía postmenopausia: qué es, síntomas, duración y osteoporosis [Internet]. México: Regenera Health; Apr 2024 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://regenerahealth.com/blog/postmenopausia-que-es-sintomas-osteoporosis/
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Mayo Clinic. Osteoporosis – diseases & conditions [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; Feb 2024 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968
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F. del Bas B. Cómo prevenir y tratar la osteoporosis posmenopáusica [Internet]. Madrid: Bárbara F. del Bas; Oct 2023 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://barbarafdelbas.es/ginecologia/osteoporosis-y-menopausia/
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AO Foundation. Osteoporosis: the silent killer [Internet]. Davos: AO Foundation; Apr 2023 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://www.aofoundation.org/trauma/about-aotrauma/blog/2023_03-blog-osteoporosis
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OB-GYN Associates of Marietta. 7 tips to combat bone loss after menopause [Internet]. Marietta (GA): OB-GYN Associates of Marietta; 2024 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://www.obgynassociatesmarietta.com/blog/7-tips-to-combat-bone-loss-after-menopause-pegged-to-osteoporosis-awareness-and-prevention-m/
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HealthPartners. Postmenopausal osteoporosis: what you need to know [Internet]. Bloomington (MN): HealthPartners; c2022 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/postmenopausal-osteoporosis/
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Quirónsalud. Osteoporosis en la menopausia [Internet]. Madrid: Quirónsalud; Dec 2024 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://www.quironsalud.com/blogs/es/ellas/osteoporosis-menopausia
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Tiwari A. Postmenopausal osteoporosis: a silent threat [Internet]. Mumbai: Dr Anant Tiwari’s Blog; Aug 2024 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://www.drananttiwari.com/blog/postmenopausal-osteoporosis-a-silent-threat/
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Mayo Clinic. Osteoporosis - diseases & conditions [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; Feb 2024 [cited 7 Nov 2025]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968
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