Bone Health Before Menopause: Why Early Detection of Osteopenia & Osteoporosis Matters

At HormoneSynergy®, we approach bone health through the lens of prevention—not reaction. Too often, osteoporosis is only addressed after a fracture occurs. From a longevity-medicine perspective, that is far too late.

Bone loss is silent, progressive, and strongly influenced by hormonal changes that begin before menopause. Identifying risk early gives women options—options that preserve strength, mobility, and independence for decades.

👉 Learn more about DEXA bone density scans at HormoneSynergy® and how they fit into preventive care.

Osteoporosis Is Common—and More Dangerous Than Many Realize

Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and porous, increasing the likelihood of fractures from even minor falls or stresses.

• Nearly 8 million women in the United States live with osteoporosis

• Up to 1 in 2 women over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture

• More than 80% of women who qualify for screening never receive it

What is often overlooked is that fractures—especially hip fractures—are associated with significantly increased mortality and long-term health decline.

The Often-Missed Reality: Bone Fractures Can Be Life-Threatening

Hip and major bone fractures are not simply orthopedic injuries. They frequently trigger a cascade of health decline.

• A substantial number of patients die within one year following a hip fracture

• Many never regain their previous level of mobility or independence

• Complications such as infections, blood clots, cardiovascular events, and rapid physical deconditioning are common after fractures

Loss of mobility also increases cardiovascular risk—making fracture prevention an important part of long-term heart health.

👉 This is why bone health is closely connected to preventive cardiology and cardiovascular screening at HormoneSynergy®.

Why the Years Before Menopause Matter

Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining healthy bone remodeling. As women enter perimenopause and menopause:

• Bone breakdown accelerates

• Bone rebuilding slows

• Net bone loss increases—often without symptoms

This hormonal shift explains why bone density may decline long before osteoporosis is diagnosed.

At HormoneSynergy®, Dr. Kathryn Retzler evaluates bone health alongside hormone balance, metabolic health, and body composition, recognizing that bone loss does not occur in isolation.

👉 Learn how hormone optimization and healthy aging can influence long-term bone and fracture risk.

What Is a DEXA (DXA) Bone Density Scan?

A Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) scan is a quick, painless test that measures bone mineral density—most commonly at the spine and hips, where fractures carry the greatest risk.

At HormoneSynergy®, DXA scanning is used not just to diagnose osteoporosis, but to:

• Identify early osteopenia

• Track changes over time

• Guide personalized prevention strategies

👉 Read more about DEXA scans in Portland & Lake Oswego and what the results really mean.

Understanding T-Scores and Z-Scores

T-Score

• ≥ –1.0: Normal bone density

• –1.0 to –2.5: Osteopenia

• ≤ –2.5: Osteoporosis

Z-Score

• Compares bone density to others of the same age and sex

• Helps identify bone loss occurring earlier than expected

These results are interpreted alongside hormone levels, lifestyle factors, and overall health—not in isolation.

Radiation Risk vs Benefit: A Clear Perspective

DEXA scans use very low-dose radiation, far less than CT imaging and comparable to everyday background exposure.

When weighed against:

• Fracture risk

• Loss of independence

• Increased mortality following hip and major bone fractures

…the benefit of early detection clearly outweighs the minimal risk.

Who Should Consider a DEXA Scan Before Age 65?

Earlier screening may be appropriate for women with:

• Perimenopause or early menopause

• Family history of osteoporosis or fractures

• Low body weight or significant weight loss

• Smoking history

• Diabetes or metabolic dysfunction

• Use of medications that affect bone density

Early detection allows for proactive intervention rather than crisis-driven care.

What Early Detection Makes Possible

Identifying low bone density early may allow for:

• Targeted nutrition and supplementation

• Resistance and bone-loading exercise

• Hormone optimization when clinically appropriate

• Fall-risk reduction strategies

• Ongoing monitoring instead of reactive treatment

The goal is not simply avoiding a diagnosis—it is preventing fractures that can permanently alter or shorten life.

The HormoneSynergy® Approach to Bone Longevity

Bone health is foundational to healthy aging.

At HormoneSynergy®, osteoporosis is viewed as:

• Predictable

• Measurable

• Often preventable

Early bone density assessment—especially before menopause—is one of the most underutilized yet powerful tools in women’s longevity medicine.

Strong bones protect more than structure.
They protect mobility, independence, and life itself.