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Bone health is one of those midlife topics that many women don’t think about until a DEXA scan shows osteopenia or osteoporosis — and suddenly they’re handed a prescription, told to take calcium, and left wondering, “Wait… is that it?”
In this episode of Living Life Naturally, Lynne is joined by functional medicine nutritionist Cindy Dupuie for an eye-opening conversation about bone density, menopause, estrogen, DEXA scans, osteoporosis medications, and why women need to become stronger advocates for their own health.
Cindy brings more than 20 years of experience in functional medicine, nutrition, digestion, thyroid health, lab work, and menopausal support. Together, Lynne and Cindy discuss why waiting until age 65 for a first DEXA scan may not be ideal for many women, especially because significant bone loss often occurs in the first decade after menopause.
They also explore important risk factors for early bone loss, including family history, low body fat during key bone-building years, eating disorders, intense athletic activity, long-term steroid use, low vitamin D, and other pieces that are often overlooked.
In This Episode:
Lynne and Cindy talk about why bone density matters so much for long-term independence, mobility, and quality of life. They also discuss why Cindy recommends women consider getting a baseline DEXA scan earlier than the standard recommendation, especially if they have risk factors.
You’ll also hear about two important bone-turnover markers — CTX and P1NP — and how they may help provide a clearer picture of whether bone loss is being driven more by breakdown or lack of formation.
Cindy shares why resistance training, muscle maintenance, and certain types of movement can be so important for bone strength. Lynne and Cindy also discuss estrogen’s role in bone protection, why the Women’s Health Initiative study created lasting confusion around hormone therapy, and why individualized conversations with a knowledgeable provider matter.
This episode also includes an honest conversation about osteoporosis medications, including bisphosphonates, how they work, why they’re commonly prescribed, and why women may want to ask informed questions about risks, benefits, duration of use, and monitoring before making decisions.
Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that you deserve more than rushed answers. You deserve to understand your options, ask better questions, and participate fully in decisions about your bone health, hormones, and future mobility.
🗝️Key Takeaways: 🗝️
🔑 Bone health is deeply connected to independence, mobility, and quality of life.
🔑 Significant bone loss can occur after menopause, so earlier assessment may be worth discussing with your provider.
🔑Risk factors such as family history, low vitamin D, eating disorders, long-term steroid use, and low body fat can matter.
🔑CTX and P1NP are bone-turnover markers that may provide additional insight into bone breakdown and formation.
🔑Resistance training and muscle maintenance are essential for supporting bone strength.
🔑Estrogen plays an important role in helping slow bone loss.
🔑Osteoporosis medications can be helpful for some women, but it’s important to understand risks, benefits, duration, and alternatives.
Women deserve individualized care and the opportunity to ask informed questions.
Resources from Cindy Dupuie:
Free Lab Checklist for Ladies in the Pause Years: https://mailchi.mp/ec838eef0e74/lab-checklist
Cindy’s Course:
Women of A Certain Age — a course designed to help women become an advocate for yourself, with education, community, and weekly time with Cindy: https://alivingbalance.net/course/
Gentle Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine, medications, hormone therapy, supplements, exercise program, or treatment plan.
✨ Join the Community
If you’re tired of living in “before” mode and want community while you heal your relationship with food, body, and hormones, join Lynne’s free Facebook community:
👉 Energized Healthy Women’s Club
A safe, encouraging space for women in midlife navigating hormones, energy, eating, and self-worth — together.
If you want connection, compassion, and REAL conversation with women walking the same midlife path… join us in the Energized Healthy Women’s Club on Facebook.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women
📩 Stay Connected With Lynne:
💛 Visit Lynne’s Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com
🎧 Watch or listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lynne-wadsworth
📩 Email: lynne@holistic-healthandwellness.com
🛜 Join Lynne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth
🛜 Join Lynne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth
👉 Grab your free copy of 5 Essential Steps to Flourishing in Midlife and start thriving today. This is YOUR time to shine.
Did You Enjoy The Podcast?
If this episode encouraged you, please consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart. Your support helps more women in midlife find these conversations and feel less alone in what they’re experiencing.
You can also share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder that she’s not losing her mind — her body may simply be asking for a different kind of support in this season. 💜
Did you know that the Living Life Naturally Podcast is in the top 3% globally and we have recently been featured on Million Podcasts. Check it out here: https://www.millionpodcasts.com/menopause-podcasts/
We’re also featured in the 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts, 90 Best Perimenopause Podcasts, 100 Best Women Over 50 Podcasts, 100 Best Women’s Health Podcasts, 100 Best Aging Podcasts, 100 Best Health Podcasts, 100 Best Holistic Podcasts, 100 Best Hormone Balancing Podcasts, 100 Best Natural Health Podcasts, 100 Best Wellbeing Podcasts, 100 Best Women In Their 40s Podcasts, 100 Best Anti-Aging Podcasts and 100 Best Health Coach Podcasts list.
