An important long-term effect of reduced oestrogen involves the effects on the skeleton. With age and reduced oestrogen levels, particularly when the menopause occurs early, before the age of 45, there is an increased risk of progressive loss of bone strength leading to bone thinning and fragility (osteoporosis).
Osteoporosis is defined as: a systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioraton of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture.
If you have an early menopause, it is recommended that hormone therapy is taken at least until the average age of the menopause (early 50s) even if you are not having menopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy in this situation provides significant benefits for bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
Bone loss itself does not cause any symptoms until a fracture occurs, often as a result of a simple fall. Fractures commonly occur in the wrist, spine and hip. It has recently been estimated that by the age of 70, one in two of all women will have had a fracture related to osteoporosis.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society has information about osteoporosis, osteopenia and how to eat and exercise for bone health.
Updated July 2024 Dr Carys Sonnenberg