What Happens to Your Bones When You Stop Hormone Therapy?

Does Stopping Hormone Therapy Increase Fracture Risk?

Yes, significantly. This large prospective study found that women who stopped hormone therapy had a 55% increased risk of hip fracture within 3-5 years compared to those who continued treatment. The protective bone effects of hormone therapy are lost relatively quickly after discontinuation, making transition planning crucial for women who need to stop treatment.

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This study highlights one of the most important but overlooked aspects of hormone therapy: what happens when you stop. Many women are told to discontinue hormone therapy at arbitrary ages without consideration of the consequences for bone health. The rapid loss of bone protection after stopping hormone therapy means we need better strategies for managing this transition, including bone density monitoring and alternative treatments.

Read more

Comprehensive Review: PPIs and Bone Health Risks

What Does the Complete Evidence Say About PPIs and Bone Health?

This comprehensive umbrella review confirms that proton pump inhibitors are associated with increased risks of osteoporosis, fractures, and impaired bone metabolism, with effects being most pronounced in elderly patients and those on long-term therapy. The evidence consistently demonstrates that PPIs affect bone health through multiple mechanisms including impaired calcium absorption, altered bone remodeling, and potential direct effects on bone cells.

Read more

PPIs Increase Fracture Risk by 30%: Meta-Analysis of 11 Studies

Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Your Risk of Bone Fractures?

Yes, proton pump inhibitors significantly increase fracture risk by approximately 30% overall, with hip fractures showing a 34% increased risk according to this comprehensive meta-analysis of 11 international studies. The risk appears highest with long-term use and higher doses, particularly affecting hip, spine, and wrist fractures in older adults.

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This meta-analysis provides compelling evidence for one of the most serious long-term PPI risks. A 30% increased fracture risk is clinically significant, especially for older adults who are already at higher baseline fracture risk. The mechanism likely involves impaired calcium absorption due to reduced stomach acid, along with potential direct effects on bone metabolism. This doesn’t mean we should avoid PPIs when truly needed, but it reinforces the importance of using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible, especially in high-risk patients.

Read more

Calcium and Vitamin D: Do They Really Help Prevent Fractures?

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This large clinical trial tested whether calcium and vitamin D supplements could help prevent hip and other fractures in healthy postmenopausal women. The results? Slightly better bone density and possibly fewer hip fractures — but no strong protection overall. Supplements helped most in older women who stuck with the treatment. On the flip side, there was a higher risk of kidney stones.

If you’re over 60, especially with low calcium or vitamin D, supplements may help your bones. But don’t expect magic. Diet, weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol are just as important. What this study didn’t look at was Vitamin K2. Vitmain K2 and Vitamin D are synergistic in their ability to promote bone density.

Read more

3-Year Study Finds Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Helps Prevent Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This 3-year randomized study adds strong evidence that daily low-dose Vitamin K2 (MK-7) can help reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women. The supplement improved markers of vitamin K status, preserved bone mineral density in the spine, and improved femoral bone strength compared to placebo. These benefits took time—only emerging after 2–3 years—so consistency and patience are key.

If you’re postmenopausal and looking for non-drug ways to support bone health, this is a compelling case for adding MK-7 to your routine.

Read more

Can a Japanese Superfood Help Prevent Bone Loss?

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This study offers strong population, level evidence that natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, may help reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women. Natto is high in menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a form of vitamin K2 that helps activate proteins needed for healthy bones. Frequent natto consumption was linked to less bone loss in key skeletal sites like the femoral neck.

If you’re looking for a food-based way to support bone health, especially post-menopause, adding natto to your weekly diet might be worth considering.

Read more

Does Warfarin Increase the Risk of Bone Fractures in Older Adults?

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This large study of older adults with atrial fibrillation found that long-term use of warfarin—a common blood thinner—was linked to a higher risk of fractures, especially in men. Warfarin blocks vitamin K2, which is essential for strong bones. If you or a loved one is on warfarin for over a year, it may be worth discussing fracture prevention with your doctor. This could include reviewing your diet, checking vitamin D levels, or considering alternative anticoagulants that don’t affect bone health.

Read more

Vitamin D3 and K2 Together Strengthen Spine Bones in Older Women

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This study adds strong clinical evidence that combining vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 can significantly improve bone density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. While each vitamin alone helped, using them together had the best results—suggesting a synergistic effect. For aging women at risk of spine fractures, this combo may be a powerful tool for improving bone strength and reducing fracture risk.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Vitamin D3 or K2 alone helped slow or slightly reverse bone loss in the spine.
✔ The combination of vitamin D3 and K2 showed a significantly greater improvement in bone density than either alone.
✔ Calcium alone failed to prevent bone loss and showed a decline in bone density over 2 years.

Read more

Vitamin K2 Helps Improve Bone Strength in Postmenopausal Women

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This new study is a big step forward in understanding how vitamin K2 might help protect bones in older women. Researchers looked at over 6,000 postmenopausal women and found that vitamin K2 supplements—especially when used with vitamin D or calcium—helped keep bones strong and may lower the risk of fractures. The effect was especially clear in the spine and in lab markers that show better bone health. No major side effects were reported, making this a safe option to consider.

Read more