We go through several body changes in our lifetime, but few usually come with greater physical and hormonal changes than menopausal symptoms. 

As women, when we get older, our bodies start changing again with pre- and post-menopausal symptoms, causing such things as decreased estrogen, hot flashes, tooth pain, decrease in libido, and bone density changes. 

Dr. Vonne Jones of Total Women's Care in Houston, TX, is board-certified and ready for your scheduled appointment to answer all your questions about menopause. 

Why Do Women Lose Bone Mass During Menopause?

When your body goes through this major change, one of the things that happens is your estrogen decreases. As estrogen decreases, your bone density risks weakening, causing porous holes in your bone matrix to get bigger, which is what we call osteoporosis. 

There are also factors that, when paired with decreasing estrogen, can increase your risk for osteoporosis. 

• Age
  After age thirty, your bone growth no longer outproduces your bone loss. Bone loss happens faster at the highest ages. 
• Women versus Men
  Women show a higher risk of developing bone loss.
• Bone Density
  Women with more bone density earlier in life have a better chance of maintaining stronger bones longer as they age. 
• Smoking
  Studies show that those who smoke during their earlier years and continue the habit are more likely to have osteoporosis. 
• Body Size
  Women who have plus-sized body frames are less likely to have osteoporosis due to the bone mass related to their size. 

How to Treat Bone Loss Related to Osteoporosis 

According to Total Women's Care in Houston, TX, menopause and the symptoms of bone loss are treatable. 

Our doctor may order a bone density test or bone mass test to get a baseline of what your bone density looks like, with repeated testing as our doctor recommends. These first tests are best performed before you experience menopausal symptoms. 

Other things that can help preserve bone density or reverse bone loss are prescription medicines such as bisphosphonates or monoclonal antibodies. 

Even though your body naturally produces vitamin D with the help of our sunlight, it is wise to supplement your daily diet with vitamin D and calcium in doses as our doctor recommends. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are increasingly vital as you enter your 50s. 

Another preventative of osteoporosis is through weight-bearing exercises. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is another common preventative option that you are welcome to discuss with our doctor.  

Call for Your Appointment Today! 

Call Dr. Jones today at 346-320-3188 at Total Women's Care in Houston, TX; we await your scheduled visit to discuss menopause, your concerns regarding bone density, and other symptoms.