From the Guidelines
It is not normal to experience significant height loss before menopause, and any noticeable shrinkage in height should prompt a medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions such as osteoporosis or vertebral compression fractures. While minor height fluctuations can occur due to spinal compression, substantial height loss before menopause can be an indicator of premature bone loss, which may be influenced by declining estrogen levels, as suggested by studies on postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy 1. The decline of estrogen production is associated with a reduction of bone mineral density, and bone density is estimated to decrease by 2% each year during the first 5 years after menopause, followed by an annual loss of approximately 1% for the rest of a woman's life 1.
Key factors to consider in preventing further bone loss and maintaining height as you approach menopause include:
- Ensuring adequate calcium intake (1000-1200mg daily) and vitamin D (600-800 IU daily) to support bone health
- Engaging in weight-bearing exercise to strengthen bones and muscles
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, as these habits can exacerbate bone loss
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the strain on bones and joints
- Considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) under medical supervision, as it has been shown to increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures, including a 27% reduction in nonvertebral fractures 1.
Given the potential risks associated with significant height loss before menopause, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation, which may include bone density testing and spine imaging, to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
From the FDA Drug Label
Osteoporosis occurs in both males and females but is most common among women following the menopause, when bone turnover increases and the rate of bone resorption exceeds that of bone formation. The diagnosis can be confirmed by the finding of low bone mass, evidence of fracture on x-ray, a history of osteoporotic fracture, or height loss or kyphosis, indicative of vertebral (spinal) fracture
The answer to whether one can shrink in height before menopause is yes, as height loss can be a sign of osteoporosis, which can occur in premenopausal women, although it is more common after menopause. However, the provided drug labels do not provide direct information on the incidence of height loss before menopause 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
Shrink in Height Before Menopause
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that women shrink in height before menopause 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, it is known that bone loss can occur in women before menopause, particularly in those with osteoporosis or other bone-related conditions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Bisphosphonates, a class of medications used to treat osteoporosis, have been shown to increase bone mass and reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women 3, 4, 5, 7.
- Some studies have investigated the use of bisphosphonates in combination with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, and have found that combined therapy can have a favorable effect on bone mineral density 6.
- While the provided studies do not directly address the issue of shrinking in height before menopause, they do suggest that bone loss can be a concern for women before menopause, and that treatments such as bisphosphonates may be effective in preventing or slowing bone loss 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.