Does menopause cause bone loss?

Yes: Estrogen promotes healthy bones. With menopause, estrogen levels fall. Many women experience a rapid loss of bone in the 1st 2 yrs after menopause. Estrogen therapy (et) starting at the time of menopause can slow down /prevent this bone loss. Starting et much later does not reverse osteoporosis. Promote bone health by taking ca, vit d, participate in weight bearing exercise, and don't smoke.

It can: After menopause, many women have an acceleration of bone loss. Ask your doctor about risk factors for bone loss (thin, smoker, family history of osteoporosis, use of some medicines).