I was recently speaking at a webinar for the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine on “Menopause Beyond HRT.”
At the end of the session, someone asked a really important question:
“Is it worth starting HRT even if I don’t have symptoms – just to prevent osteoporosis?”
It’s such a great question, and one that many women wonder about.
Here’s my answer.
HRT can be helpful, especially if osteoporosis runs in your family, or you’re going through premature (before age 40) or early (before age 45) menopause. In fact, this is where HRT is beneficial.
However – and this is key – HRT alone won’t protect your bones.
To truly support bone strength and prevent osteoporosis, it’s essential to address the lifestyle foundations that support bone health in menopause and beyond:
💪 Move your muscles!
Your bones need to be challenged to stay strong – think weight training, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises – they all send the message: “Stay strong!”
🥦 Eat for your bones.
Calcium, vitamin D, protein, magnesium and vitamin K2 are the raw materials your body uses to build and maintain bone.
🌞 Vitamin D (sunshine) is vital for calcium absorption and bone metabolism, and consider a supplement especially if you live in a climate with limited sunlight (i.e. the UK 😜).
🚭 Avoid smoking and go easy on the 🍷 – Smoking and alcohol reduce calcium absorption and speed up bone loss, making bones brittle and more prone to fractures.
So yes, HRT might be part of the picture, but it doesn’t give you a “free pass.”
It works best as part of a holistic lifestyle approach that supports your body from the inside out.
If you’re curious about how to build bone health naturally, or if you’re wondering whether HRT is right for you, let’s talk it through.
You can book a free one-to-one call with me here:
Together, we can explore what approach fits best for your unique body, genetics, and lifestyle.