Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Food for Thought with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Bone Health at Every Age (Part 1: Nutrition & Hormones)
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Bone Health at Every Age (Part 1: Nutrition & Hormones)

The Science of Strong Bones in Perimenopause and Beyond

In today’s episode, we talk about why bone density begins to decline and what actually builds strong, resilient bones — at every age and every stage of life, including perimenopause and postmenopause.

Now, before you think, “Well, that’s not me — I’m in my 20s… my 30s… my 40s,” please give this episode a listen, because the strength of your bones at 60 is determined by what you do at 25.

This is Part 1, focused on nutrition and hormones — and it lays the groundwork for what comes next: Part 2, where we’ll talk about mechanical stress, weight-bearing exercise, resistance training, balance work — and why movement is non-negotiable for long-term bone health.

In this episode, we explore:

  • When we reach peak bone mass and why that matters

  • Why bone loss accelerates earlier than many women expect

  • What perimenopause is (and why it matters for bone remodeling)

  • How bone remodeling works — and the roles of osteoclasts and osteoblasts

  • Why estrogen is central to bone density in women

  • How to know where you stand: DEXA scans, blood work, and risk factors

  • Why “normal” blood calcium doesn’t tell you what you think it tells you

  • The nutrition foundation for strong bones

  • What can work against bone health over time (and what to watch for)

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Food for Thought, celebrating 20 years of practical inspiration for living compassionately, sustainably, and healthfully.

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Additional Resources

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