The Bone Truth: What Every Woman 40+ Needs to Know About Osteoporosis

In this must-hear episode, Dr Alison Mooney, a leading GP with a passion for women’s health, unpacks one of the most misunderstood topics in midlife medicine: bone health and osteoporosis during perimenopause and menopause.
From why being too slim can increase your risk of fractures, to how oestrogen, testosterone, and progesterone protect your skeleton, this conversation is packed with eye-opening insights every woman over 40 needs to know.
We explore:
• The surprising early warning signs of osteopenia and osteoporosis
• How hormones affect your bone density
• The vital role of strength training, protein, and weighted walking (rucking)
• Misconceptions about calcium, vitamin D, and lifestyle risks
• Real talk on testosterone for women and why it’s about more than just libido
If you’re navigating perimenopause, postmenopause, or simply want to age strong and fracture-free, this episode will empower you to take control of your bone health now.
This episode is brought to you by RUKSAK - helping you turn every walk into a workout with weighted vests, backpacks and accessories. Get your Ruk Vest Here: https://rebrand.ly/ruksak-australia-may and use the code SHAUNA15 for a 15% discount
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00:00:00 – Why Bone Health Matters More Than You Think
00:00:52 – Meet Our Expert Guest on Osteoporosis & Menopause
00:02:21 – Her Personal Journey Into Bone Health Advocacy
00:06:05 – What Are Osteopenia & Osteoporosis? Explained Simply
00:07:24 – How Menopause Accelerates Bone Loss (and What to Do)
00:08:30 – How Doctors Diagnose Osteoporosis Early
00:09:26 – Bone Density Scans: When, Why, and What They Reveal
00:11:15 – Top Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Women Over 40
00:13:04 – How to Prevent and Reverse Bone Loss Naturally
00:15:17 – Is Alcohol Ruining Your Bones? What Science Says
00:15:50 – Estrogen & Testosterone: Hidden Keys to Bone Health
00:17:30 – Should Women Consider Testosterone Therapy?
00:21:47 – Sponsor Break + Exclusive Discount for Viewers
00:23:53 – Best Exercises to Strengthen Bones and Improve Balance
00:26:00 – Stop Frailty Before It Starts: Aging Stronger
00:29:00 – How Osteoporotic Fractures Change Lives Forever
00:30:39 – Hip Fracture Stats That Will Shock You
00:31:29 – Why Regular Bone Health Check-Ups Are Crucial
00:33:09 – Calcium & Vitamin D: What Actually Works
00:35:54 – HRT for Osteoporosis: Benefits, Risks, and Results
00:37:31 – New & Emerging Treatments for Osteoporosis
00:39:47 – Why Weight-Bearing Exercise Is Non-Negotiable
00:41:45 – Can Weight Loss Harm Your Bones? What to Know
00:43:22 – A Real-Life Patient Case: Diagnosis to Treatment
00:45:31 – Is It Ever Too Late to Start Hormone Therapy?
00:47:00 – The Truth About Vitamin D Deficiency & Your Bones
00:48:32 – A Holistic Approach to Menopause & Bone Health
00:49:45 – Spreading Awareness: Why This Topic Needs a Spotlight
00:50:44 – What She’d Tell Her Younger Self About Health
00:52:19 – Weight Training Myths Women Need to Stop Believing
00:52:49 – Final Thoughts + Disclaimer
- menopause and bone loss
- perimenopause osteoporosis prevention
- women's bone health tips
- estrogen and bone density
- hormone therapy for osteoporosis
- best exercises for bone health
- rucking for menopause
- strength training for women over 40
- calcium vs supplements for bones
- DEXA scan Australia
- signs of osteopenia
- early menopause and osteoporosis
- testosterone in women benefits
- HRT for bone health
- weighted vest walking benefits