New! Bone Health Risk Assessment – Are Your Bones at Risk?
Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease—and for good reason. Bone loss happens gradually and without pain, leaving many women unaware that their bones are weakening until a fracture occurs. By then, the damage is already done.
At Ms.Medicine, we believe prevention is powerful. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our new Bone Health Risk Assessment—a personalized screening tool designed to evaluate your risk for osteoporosis and identify early warning signs before they lead to serious injury.
Whether you're in your 40s navigating perimenopause or in your 60s wondering when to schedule your next bone scan, now is the perfect time to assess your bone health. Because when it comes to your skeleton, what you can't see can absolutely hurt you.
Why Women Are at Higher Risk for Bone Loss
Both men and women begin to lose bone mass in their mid-30s, but for women, this loss accelerates rapidly during the menopausal transition. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, and once estrogen levels decline during menopause, the rate of bone loss increases sharply.
In fact, the most rapid bone loss occurs during the one to two years before and after a woman’s final menstrual period. This period alone accounts for nearly 40% of the total bone loss that occurs between menopause and age 80.
That makes midlife a critical window for monitoring and preserving bone health. Yet many women don’t receive a bone density test (DXA scan) until they’re well into their 60s—missing the opportunity for early intervention.
Other factors that increase risk include:
Naturally smaller or thinner bones
Longer lifespans (meaning more years of potential bone loss)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (though typically temporary effects)
Early menopause (before age 45), whether natural or surgical
Postmenopausal women are at the highest risk for osteoporotic fractures, particularly of the hip, spine, and wrist. These fractures can significantly impact mobility, independence, and quality of life.
What Is Osteoporosis, and Why Does It Matter?
Osteoporosis is a condition marked by low bone mass and reduced bone strength, making fractures more likely. Its precursor, osteopenia, involves mild bone loss and often progresses silently over time.
Once osteoporosis is present, even minor falls or movements—like sneezing or bending over—can result in fractures. These injuries are not only painful but often lead to long recovery times, reduced mobility, and in the case of hip fractures, increased mortality.
Despite its prevalence and serious consequences, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in women under 65. That’s where early screening makes all the difference.
Introducing the Ms.Medicine Bone Health Risk Assessment
Our new Bone Health Risk Assessment is designed to help you and your clinician determine whether you may be at increased risk for bone loss or fractures—and what steps to take next.
This tool includes:
Evaluation of non-modifiable risk factors such as age, family history, menopause status, and history of fractures
Review of modifiable risk factors including smoking, alcohol use, low calcium or vitamin D intake, and sedentary lifestyle
Screening for medical conditions or medications (like steroids) that affect bone health
Assessment of current reproductive phase and hormonal status
Consideration of lab results (such as vitamin D, calcium, thyroid, and PTH) when available
Discussion of whether bone density testing (DXA scan) or a FRAX score (10-year fracture risk tool) is needed
By taking this comprehensive approach, we can identify osteoporosis risk early, personalize prevention strategies, and initiate treatment if needed—long before a fracture occurs.
When Should You Consider a Bone Density Test?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine DXA scans starting at age 65, but many women would benefit from testing earlier, especially if they are:
Postmenopausal before age 45
Have a low body weight (BMI <19)
Have a personal or family history of fractures
Use corticosteroids or other medications affecting bone health
Live with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or thyroid disorders
Our assessment helps determine whether early screening is appropriate. When combined with your T-score and FRAX score, the results provide a clear path forward—whether that means lifestyle adjustments, nutritional support, or medical therapy.
Building Better Bones Through Prevention
The good news? Bone loss is not inevitable—and osteoporosis is not irreversible. With the right habits, treatments, and follow-up, women can maintain strong bones for life.
Key strategies include:
Calcium and Vitamin D: Aim for 1,200 mg of calcium and 800–1,000 IU of vitamin D daily, either through diet or supplements.
Weight-bearing exercise: Activities like walking, strength training, and yoga support bone formation and reduce fracture risk.
Limit smoking and alcohol: Both contribute to bone loss and increase fall risk.
Fall prevention: Making home safety modifications and maintaining balance and strength can reduce fall-related fractures.
Medication, if needed: In higher-risk women, medications like bisphosphonates or hormone therapy may be recommended to preserve or rebuild bone density.
Taking the Next Step Toward Stronger Bones
Bone health is not something to put off until your 70s. It's a vital part of women’s health that deserves attention much earlier—especially during midlife, when prevention is most effective.
At Ms.Medicine, we’re committed to helping women understand their risk, advocate for earlier testing, and build personalized bone health plans that fit their lives.
Our Bone Health Risk Assessment is now available as part of our comprehensive women’s health services. Whether you're just starting to think about prevention or you've already had a DXA scan and want a second opinion, this assessment offers clarity, guidance, and support.
Schedule your Bone Health Risk Assessment today and take one proactive step toward protecting your strength, mobility, and independence for years to come.
