Women can lose up to 2% of bone density per year during the menopausal transition due to a rapid drop in oestrogen levels, and this has long-term implications for workplace wellbeing.
Health specialists are warning that modern working patterns may be compounding the risk of osteoporosis. Millions of women now follow hybrid routines centred on sedentary desk work; spending six hours a day at a desk combined with limited time outdoors may increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, a condition that reduces longevity by raising the risk of life-threatening fractures.
More than one in three at 35% of UK employees admit to spending less than an hour a day outdoors. Reduced exposure to sunlight can contribute to vitamin D deficiency which plays a role in bone strength. Leaders responsible for workplace wellbeing are being encouraged to embed preventative habits into the working day including regular movement and time outside.
Dr Hala Sadik, Consultant Rheumatologist at Spire Cheshire Hospital, says that regular exercise can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, specifically weight-bearing and resistance-based exercises, as these are known to increase bone strength. Following a balanced diet and getting enough calcium and vitamin D is also fundamental for bone health.
Sedentary Work Patterns And Osteoporosis Risk In Women
“The risk of osteoporosis doesn’t begin at menopause – it’s revealed by it,” Dr Hala Sadik explains. She notes that brittle bone disease occurs when more bone is broken down than is made, leading to reduced density and increased fragility. “Menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis in women because it causes a significant drop in levels of the hormone oestrogen.
“Oestrogen slows down the breakdown of bone tissue, which is why when oestrogen levels drop, bone tissue starts to break down faster than it is made.”
Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45–55, and women within this age range and older are most at risk. Osteoporosis is also more common in Caucasian women and women of Asian descent. Additional risk factors include having had an eating disorder at any point in life, leading a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
Preventative measures can begin decades before menopause. Maximising peak bone mass in early adulthood, and maintaining strengthening habits throughout working life, can decrease the likelihood of developing the disease later on. Regular desk breaks, weight-bearing exercise and resistance-based training are cited as important protective steps.
Auring autumn and winter, vitamin D supplementation may be necessary as sunlight exposure is reduced. In spring and summer, many people can obtain sufficient vitamin D through sunlight on their skin alongside a balanced diet. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation are also advised to help maintain bone strength.
Osteoporosis Treatments And The Role Of HRT
A range of treatments are available depending on age, sex and overall health. The Royal Osteoporosis Society states that hormone replacement therapy appears to be as effective as other medicines at lowering the chance of broken bones in postmenopausal women.
Dr Hala Sadik explains, “Osteoporosis can be treated by targeting either the breakdown of bone tissue or the creation of bone tissue.
“Bisphosphanates, which are taken orally as tablets, and denosumab, which is given as an injection every 6 months, slow down the breakdown of bone tissue. Teriparatide and abaloparatide, which are given as daily injections, and romosozumab, which is given as 2 injections every month, stimulate your body to make more bone tissue.
“Hormone replacement therapy can also help prevent osteoporosis by increasing your oestrogen levels, which in turn slows down the breakdown of bone tissue. HRT is usually prescribed when treatment is needed for both osteoporosis and menopause symptoms.”
For employers encouraging movement, outdoor time and informed conversations about menopause may form part of a broader preventative strategy to protect long-term employee health.