Bone density and the "silent disease": 4 things women should know about bone health

TL;DR

Seven out of 10 American women will experience osteopenia or osteoporosis in their lifetime.
Bone health issues disproportionately affect women, particularly during and after menopause.
DEXA scans measure bone mineral density using a T-score, with scores below -2.5 indicating osteoporosis.
Women are often advised to get DEXA scans at age 65, but experts suggest starting around menopause (age 50-51).
Strength training and impact exercises signal the body to build stronger bone tissue.
Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and magnesium are crucial micronutrients for bone health.
Vitamin D aids calcium absorption, magnesium helps activate vitamin D, and vitamin K directs minerals to bone.
Fiber is important for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) can help slow bone density loss by managing declining estrogen levels.
Estrogen inhibits bone breakdown, and its decrease during menopause accelerates bone density loss.

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