Pre-menopausal Osteoporosis Treatment

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What is Pre-Menopausal Osteoporosis?

Pre-menopausal osteoporosis refers to the weakening of bones in women before they reach menopause. While osteoporosis is commonly associated with aging, some women experience bone loss earlier due to underlying medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle factors. Bone is a living tissue that continuously regenerates, but when new bone formation cannot keep up with bone loss, bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.

Who Can Get Pre-Menopausal Osteoporosis?

Although osteoporosis is more common after menopause, some women develop it earlier due to specific risk factors.

Causes

What Causes Pre-Menopausal Osteoporosis?
Pre-menopausal osteoporosis occurs when bone loss outpaces bone formation. Some contributing factors include:

  • Hormonal Imbalances – Low estrogen levels due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), or eating disorders.
  • Medical Conditions – Autoimmune disorders, thyroid dysfunction, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, or chronic use of corticosteroids.
  • Lifestyle Factors – Poor nutrition (especially low calcium and vitamin D intake), excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or extreme exercise leading to low body weight.
  • Genetics – A family history of osteoporosis or fractures.

With Insurance

Diabetes and Endocrinology

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

Diabetes and Endocrinology

$149

Initial Visit

$99

Follow Up

Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Pre-Menopausal Osteoporosis?
Early-stage pre-menopausal osteoporosis often has no noticeable symptoms. However, as bone density decreases, women may experience:

  • Unexplained fractures, particularly in the hip, wrist, or spine.
  • Chronic back pain due to vertebral fractures.
  • A gradual loss of height or stooped posture.

Diagnosis

How is Pre-Menopausal Osteoporosis Diagnosed?                                                
Because bone loss can occur silently, a bone mineral density (BMD) test may be recommended if you have risk factors. This scan measures bone strength and predicts fracture risk. If you are under 50 and have risk factors, discuss screening options with your doctor.

Treatment

Can Pre-Menopausal Osteoporosis Be Treated?
Yes, treatment focuses on preventing further bone loss and strengthening bones through lifestyle modifications and, if needed, medications.

  • Exercise – Weight-bearing and resistance exercises like jogging, dancing, and strength training help maintain bone density.
  • Nutrition – A diet rich in calcium (1,000 mg daily) and vitamin D (800-1,000 IU) supports bone health.
  • Healthy Weight – Being underweight or overweight can increase fracture risk.
  • Avoid Smoking & Excess Alcohol – These habits accelerate bone loss.
  • Medications – In some cases, bone-strengthening medications may be recommended.

If you're concerned about early bone loss, schedule a consultation with our endocrinology specialists at Inland today!

References

The Endocrine Society. (2015) Endocrine Facts and Figures: Bone and Mineral. Retrieved 7-29-21, {https://www.endocrine.org/-/media/endocrine/files/facts-and-figures/endocrine_facts_figures_bone_and_mineral.pdf}
Johns Hopkins Medicine. N.d. Metabolic Bone, Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders. Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Retrieved 7-29-21, {https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/endocrinology_diabetes_metabolism/patient_care/conditions/bone_disorders.html}
International Journal of Endocrinology. (2015). Pituitary Disorders and Osteoporosis. Retrieved 7-29-21, {https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ije/2015/206853/}
Mount Sinai. N.d. Bone DIsease - Osteoporosis. Retrieved 7-29-21, {https://www.mountsinai.org/care/endocrinology/services/osteoporosis}
National Osteoporosis Foundation. N.d. What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Retrieved 7-29-21, {https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/}
MedlinePlus. (March 2017). Osteoporosis. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved 7-29-21, {https://medlineplus.gov/osteoporosis.html}
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. N.d. Osteoporosis. Retrieved 7-29-21, {https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/osteoporosis}

Medically reviewed by:

Stuart Seigel, MD

Dr. Seigel is a board certified Endocrinologist. He completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2011 and 2013.

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Affordable – with or without insurance

With Insurance

Diabetes and Endocrinology

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

Diabetes and Endocrinology

$149

Initial Visit

$99

Follow Up