Vitamin D
- What it measures
- Your vitamin D level.
- Why it matters
- Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium into bone.
Well Woman Clinic
Osteoporosis
Protect your bones through menopause and beyond.
What it is
Bone is constantly broken down and rebuilt. Oestrogen protects bone, so bone loss speeds up in the years around menopause.
Osteoporosis has no symptoms until a bone breaks. We assess your risk and the factors that can be changed, and support bone health through nutrition, strength training and balance work.
Are you at risk?
- Early menopause, or being past menopause
- A fracture from a minor fall
- Loss of height or a curving upper back
- A family history of hip fracture
- Long-term use of steroid medication
Common root causes
We look at all three corners of the body–mind–brain triangle.
Body
Low oestrogen, low vitamin D and calcium, low body weight, an overactive thyroid, coeliac disease, smoking and alcohol.
Mind
Low activity habits and under-eating.
Brain
Balance and coordination, which decide how likely a fall is.
How we assess it
A risk history, balance and strength tests, and blood tests for hidden causes of bone loss. A DEXA bone density scan is arranged through your GP or privately.
Available in clinic in Llandudno, or remotely by video with home or partner-site blood tests.
Your plan
After your Women's Health Assessment, you receive a personal plan with nutrition, lifestyle and targeted support, regular check-ins, and a retest so you can see what has changed.
About the assessmentOsteoporosis is diagnosed by a DEXA bone density scan, not blood tests. If you are at risk, ask your GP about a scan. Bone-strengthening medication is prescribed by your GP.
Take the osteoporosis symptom profile
A short online questionnaire that maps your symptoms and shows whether they are worth investigating. It takes about 5 minutes.
Key lab tests
The tests most often useful for osteoporosis. Every test includes a practitioner review of your results.
Bone profile
- What it measures
- Calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase.
- Why it matters
- Can reveal problems with how bone is being built and broken down.
Thyroid panel and coeliac screen
- What it measures
- Thyroid hormones and coeliac antibodies.
- Why it matters
- Two common hidden causes of bone loss.
Start with the Women's Health Assessment
One assessment, a full picture of your health, and a clear plan.