What to know about osteopenia in postmenopausal women

Bone density can decline around and after menopause as hormonal changes affect the balance between bone breakdown and rebuilding. Osteopenia often causes no noticeable symptoms, so it may be found during a bone density assessment or after a risk review. The result is considered alongside age, previous fractures, medicines, family history, falls and other health conditions.

A lower density result is a prompt to review bone health, not a diagnosis that predicts one person’s future with certainty. Your clinician can explain what the result means in your circumstances.

Choose regular weight-bearing activity and resistance exercises that match your balance and fitness. A physiotherapist can teach safe lifting, posture and balance work. Avoid smoking, keep alcohol within your clinician’s advice, and obtain calcium and vitamin D through suitable food or prescribed supplements when needed.

Review medicines and health conditions that may affect bones. Reduce falls by improving lighting, clearing loose rugs, wearing suitable shoes and checking vision. Do not start supplements or stop prescribed treatment without discussing it with a healthcare professional.

Arrange a bone-health review after a fracture from a minor incident, new unexplained back pain, loss of height or repeated falls. Seek urgent care after a fall if there is severe pain, inability to stand, a visible deformity or new numbness. Ask when repeat assessment is appropriate and what changes should bring the appointment forward.

Ask how your bone density result fits with your overall fracture risk, which exercises are suitable, whether you need calcium or vitamin D testing, and how your medicines affect bone health. Discuss fall prevention and the circumstances that would make medication appropriate.