Let’s talk about bones for a second.
Not the cute little skeletons you see around Halloween. Not even the ones that show up in cartoons when someone runs into a wall. I’m talking about your bones—the very real, living tissue that keeps you upright, lets you run, lift, leap, and do all the badass things you love doing.
If you're in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause, this is where things get serious. Bone loss doesn’t just maybe happen—it does happen. We can lose up to 20% of our bone density in the five to seven years after menopause. That’s a massive shift. And unless you're checking in on it, it can quietly creep up while you're doing everything else to stay healthy.
So here’s the thing: we don't wait for a fracture to get curious about our bone health.
What the Heck Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan is a non-invasive, super-quick test that gives you data on your bone density and lean muscle mass. It tells you what’s actually going on under the surface—not what the scale says, not what your pants say, and definitely not what a random influencer on Instagram says.
The first time I learned about DEXA scans was before I went on Lupron and later had a full hysterectomy. It was a baseline, just in case those interventions affected my bone density—and spoiler: they can. Medically induced menopause, surgical menopause, hormone suppression therapy… they can all mess with your bones. And if you’re not lifting, fueling, or training smart? The risk is even higher.
Why Does This Matter for You?
Because you're probably doing everything right—running, eating clean, staying active—but if you're not including heavy strength work and impact-based movement, your bones aren't getting the signal to stay strong.
I’m talking about real strength work. Not just 5 lb dumbbells in barre class (no shade, but we need more).
I’m talking about plyometrics—jumps, hops, bounds—movements that create force and impact, and tell your bones, “Hey! Stay strong. We’ve got work to do.”
And here’s the kicker: this kind of training doesn’t just benefit your bones. It helps maintain lean muscle mass (which we naturally lose as we age), improves metabolism, supports balance, and lets you keep doing what you love for years longer.
Real Talk: You Deserve to Age Like an Athlete
Too often, menopause is framed as a season of decline—like we’re supposed to just settle for shrinking, weakening, slowing down.
That narrative is outdated. And honestly? It’s lazy.
You deserve tools, knowledge, and support that helps you move through this stage of life with strength, power, and confidence.
A DEXA scan isn’t just a medical test. It’s a check-in—a way to back up your training with data and make informed decisions about your health.
Here’s What You Can Do Right Now:
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Book a DEXA scan if you’ve never had one, especially if you’ve had early menopause, hormone therapy, or are just curious about your current baseline.
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Lift heavy things. Regularly. Safely. With good form and intention.
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Add impact to your training—jump, skip, hop, sprint, play.
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Fuel well. Your bones need protein, calcium, and nutrients. They also need energy. Don’t under-eat and expect to stay strong.
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Get curious, not afraid. Your body is changing, yes—but that doesn’t mean it’s breaking. With the right training, it’s still capable of incredible things.
You’re not fragile.
You’re not “past your prime.”
And you definitely don’t have to sit back and let bone loss be your story.
Get the scan. Train like it matters. And keep showing the world what strength in menopause really looks like.