As part of Bone and Joint Week and World Menopause Day today Friday 18 October, Shona Haining, Head of Research and Evidence at NECS, shares her experience of bone health post menopause.
“Bone health is so important for early post-menopausal women. Bone density declines at a greater rate from the time of menopause leading to women being more at risk of fractures.
“As a woman who had a natural early menopause at the age of 41, I was more at risk of osteoporosis and fractures. For the last twenty years plus, I have tried to do more weight bearing exercise to hopefully keep my muscles strong and bone decline slower. For me, this is currently regular walks and two body pump classes per week. I’m not lifting very heavy weights to make me into a body builder! I’m just lifting weights with a class of women who have fun together.
“You don’t need to go to a gym as lifting tins of beans or shopping bags etc can still be effective. I am due my next bone density scan soon so hope it is making a difference!
“Vitamin D and calcium intake through diet and supplements needs to be considered and is also important especially for those in the North of the country where sunlight hours and strength is less so our natural Vitamin D intake is less.
“So please, whatever your age, think of your bones and keep them as strong as you can!”
Find out about menopause and bone health from the Royal Osteoporosis Society: