Reader,

I was recently invited to join a panel for Women Rising, an event happening here in Burlington next month.

I'll be sharing the stage with two Nurse Practitioners I just met, and during our planning session, we quickly realized that the 45 minutes we have will be nowhere near enough time to say everything we'd like to say.

So we're going to have to get laser-focused and skip the fluff.

As I was talking with them, one message kept coming up for me:

Know your bones.

More specifically, know your bone density.

The current recommendation is to screen all women for osteoporosis at 65, with earlier screening for postmenopausal women under 65 who have risk factors and are found to be at increased risk.

But I don't love the idea of simply waiting until 65 to start thinking about your bones.

Bone loss can accelerate during the menopause transition. I believe this is an important time to understand where you stand and establish a baseline for your bone health.

So here's the message I'm taking with me to the Women Rising panel — and one I hope you'll share with the women you care about:

Don't wait until you're 65 to start paying attention to your bones.

If you're approaching or going through menopause, talk with your healthcare provider about whether a DEXA scan makes sense for you.

And if you already have a DEXA, don't just tuck the report away somewhere.

Know your numbers. Understand what they mean. And have a plan for your bones.

Not sure what that T-score actually means? I wrote a simple explanation here:

​What the Heck Is a T-Score, Anyway?​

That's what I want women to know: you don't have to fear your bone density numbers. You can use that information to make informed decisions about how you move, train, and care for your bones. Starting now.

To your health,

Andrea Trombley, PT, DPT

P.S. And while we're talking about strong women and enjoying life…

Don't forget about Costa Rica! 🌴

I'm hosting my first Strong Women, Strong Bones retreat February 20–26, 2027, in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

We'll spend a week moving, getting stronger, practicing yoga, learning about lifting mechanics, relaxing, eating good food, exploring, and enjoying time together at a rainforest eco-lodge near Arenal Volcano.

​Take a peek at the Costa Rica retreat →​

The retreat still needs a few more registrations to reach the minimum number of participants, so if Costa Rica sounds like your kind of adventure, your registration can help make it happen.

I would absolutely love to have you there.

The information provided is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or physical therapy advice to any individual. Please consult with your physician before starting any new exercise program. Any exercise has the potential to cause injury or physical problems.