Bone Health: Beyond the DXA Scan

Written By Anita Romero

This is something I’ve been thinking about deeply, both from my own experience and from what I’m seeing in so many women I work with.

If you’re here, I’m really glad you are.

Why Bone Health Matters

Bone health isn’t something most women think about… until they have to.

And yet, May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month, a reminder to bring attention to something that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a problem.

Often, that moment comes after a fragility fracture, which result from a low energy trauma, such as a fall at standing height.
One of the most common? A broken wrist.

I know this firsthand. I broke my wrist at 52.

If you’re a woman in midlife like me, you’re probably hearing more about other health risks during the menopause transition, like increased risk for heart disease, changes in metabolic health, or even cognitive health.

But bone health is less talked about, and yet, incredibly important.

Here’s what’s important to know:

  • Osteoporosis is very common and often develops without symptoms

  • Research shows that up to 1 in 2 women over age 50 will experience a fragility fracture in their lifetime (NIH; Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation)

  • And what’s even more concerning, only about 30% of people who experience a fragility fracture are ever evaluated or treated for the underlying cause

The good news? Bone is living tissue. It’s constantly responding to how we move, nourish, and care for our bodies. Which means there is so much we can do, starting now, to support strength, stability, and long-term health.

A Personal Note

This is part of what has been shaping my own work more deeply over the past year.

I never set out to focus on bone health or osteoporosis. But after my own diagnosis and then learning just how common this condition is, I started to question what I was being offered.

The care I received after my DXA scan consisted of two things: lab work and a prescription.

And my instincts told me… something was missing. There had to be more to it. And it turns out, there is.

Since then, I’ve completed a 75-hour yoga for osteoporosis training, spent many hours reading, researching, and learning, and most importantly, connecting with women who are navigating this too.

Through my yoga for bone health series and workshops, I’ve met so many women who are trying to “figure it out”, often without clear guidance and sometimes feeling like they’ve missed their window.

That’s simply not true.

This work has become more than just movement for me, it’s about education, awareness, and helping women feel more confident in how they support their bodies.

I’ve recently completed peer educator training with the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation and am currently completing BoneFit™ training, a program designed for healthcare and exercise professionals to safely and effectively prescribe exercise for individuals with osteoporosis.

I’m continuing to deepen my knowledge so I can better support you.

This work has become a meaningful part of my journey—and one I feel deeply called to share.

A Few Basics to Know

You don’t need to do everything at once. But there are some foundational pieces that matter:

It’s about awareness and small, consistent steps over time.

Bone health isn’t something to leave to chance and it’s not something you have to figure out alone.

If you’re ready to take a more supported, intentional approach, I’d love to work with you.

You can meet with me —> Take the first step, Free 30 minute call

Anita Romero https://growthandgrithealth.com