Up to 30% Bone Loss Within 5 Years of Menopause; Doctors Urge Aerobic and Resistance Training

Central News Agency reporter Chen Chieh-ling, Taipei, May 25. Menopause is the peak period for bone loss in women. Research indicates that up to 30% of bone mass can be lost within 5 to 7 years after menopause, potentially increasing the risk of post-menopausal death by 15 times. Doctors remind that the key to calcium supplementation lies in absorption, encouraging continuous aerobic exercise and resistance training. May is Women's Health Care Month. Han Te-sheng, Chairman of the Osteoporosis Society of the Republic of China, stated in a press release that osteoporosis has become a health threat that menopausal women cannot ignore. As bone mass decreases, minor daily falls or collisions can cause fractures, affecting mobility and independence, and increasing the need for long-term care and mortality risk. Han explained that Taiwanese women enter menopause between 45 and 55. As estrogen levels decrease, besides common symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, bone metabolism is affected, slowing bone formation and accelerating loss. Research shows that within 5 to 7 years post-menopause, bone loss can reach about 30%. Han stated that about half of women around 65 have insufficient bone mass or osteoporosis. The silent loss of bone can be fatal. Fractures not only bring pain but can lead to long-term disability, reduced activity, and increased risk of infection and complications. Citing global data from five years ago, he said osteoporosis caused 220,000 deaths among post-menopausal women, with a mortality rate 15 times higher than pre-menopausal women. For calcium supplementation, he suggests combining it with key nutrients like Vitamin D and K, as effective absorption is more important than just quantity. Besides nutrition, regular exercise is indispensable. Aerobic and resistance training can effectively slow bone loss and help maintain muscle strength and independence.