Bone Health: Why You Should Care Before Menopause

Most women don't think about their bone health until something breaks, but by then, the foundation has often been quietly eroding for decades. From restrictive eating in our youth to digestive issues, chronic stress, thyroid imbalances, and the dramatic drop in estrogen during menopause, the factors influencing our bone density are wide-reaching and often overlooked in conventional care.In this episode, Dr. Miranda Naylor sits down with Cindy Dupuis, a functional medicine nutritionist with over 20 years of experience specializing in women through perimenopause and menopause. After going into menopause herself at 43, Cindy has made it her mission to help women become their own advocates and understand the full picture of what's happening in their bodies during this transition. Together, they explore why bone health is one of the most under-discussed pieces of women's longevity, how to advocate for an early DEXA scan, the blood markers most doctors aren't checking, and what you can do at every stage to protect your bones for life.We'll explore:✔️ Why bone health matters for long-term independence, mobility, and quality of life ✔️ The surprising risk factors that put women at greater risk of osteoporosis ✔️ Why getting a DEXA scan in perimenopause (not at 65) could change everything ✔️ The blood markers (CTX and P1NP) that reveal what's really happening in your bones ✔️ How estrogen, digestion, thyroid, and nutrition all play a role in bone density ✔️ Practical lifestyle, nutrition, and movement strategies to support strong bones at any ageIf you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough to protect your bones, or if you've been told "everything looks fine" while feeling unsure, this episode will empower you with the questions to ask, the labs to request, and the lifestyle shifts that can make a real difference for your future self.Why bone health matters more than most women realize Cindy's journey into specializing in menopause Why doctors aren't trained in perimenopause and menopause The problem with waiting until 65 for a DEXA scan Risk factors that put women at higher risk of osteoporosis 1Why a broken hip is more serious than most people realize When bone density peaks and when it starts to decline What impacts bone density beyond estrogen Blood markers to monitor: CTX and P1NP How thyroid issues affect bone breakdown The role of digestion, stomach acid, and bile in bone health What to do if your DEXA shows significant bone loss Cindy's personal experience with a doctor's misguided recommendation The truth about weighted vests and bone health Where to find Cindy Dupuis🎧 Hit Subscribe or Follow so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a positive review to help us reach other women on a journey to wellness!______Links💫 What’s your hormone type? Take the quiz🩺  Ready to feel like yourself again with personalized support? Book your free clarity call with Dr. Naylor📲 Follow Dr. Naylor on Instagram🌐 Visit my website