Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Diagnostic Anomaly: Rare Neurological Disorder Made 52-Year-Old Woman See People’s Faces Turn Into Dragons

Diagnostic Anomaly: Rare Neurological Disorder Made 52-Year-Old Woman See People’s Faces Turn Into Dragon

As children we have all imagined just how fun it would be if we lived around mythical creatures like dragons, elves and werewolves. However, these are all impossible and magical beings remain a part of the fantasy world. But that was not the case for this woman, for whom dragons actually become her reality. Although she wasn’t living among actual dragons, it started looking to her like that when suddenly the people around her transformed into these mythical creatures. 

In July 2011, a 52-year-old woman sought help at a psychiatric clinic in The Hague for a condition she'd had her whole life: seeing people's faces turn into dragon-like faces. This happened many times a day, and she also saw similar faces floating toward her from walls and screens. At night, she saw many of them in the dark. 

But why was this happening? And what caused her to see these hallucinations, here is what the 2014 reports published in the Lancet explained. 

Although she could see and recognize a person's real face, after a few minutes, it would turn black, grow pointy ears and a snout, and show scaly skin with huge, bright yellow, green, blue, or red eyes. As a child, this didn't bother her, but in her teenage years, she realized this wasn't how others saw faces. She felt alone and became depressed, leading her to abuse alcohol for many years. Despite these challenges, she was able to finish school, get married, have a daughter, and work as a school administrator. However, her difficulty with faces caused problems in her relationships and at work, forcing her to change jobs often. 

After her symptoms got worse, she tried to get help. A local psychiatrist gave her medication that didn't work. Desperate, she reached out to Professor Oliver Sacks, a famous neurologist, who directed her to a team in The Netherlands. 

The patient had a history of other visual symptoms, like seeing things move out of the corner of her eye or seeing large ants crawling on her hands. She knew her visions weren't real and described them as a "brain disorder." 

Doctors performed tests, including a brain MRI, which showed some small white spots but nothing that would fully explain her condition. The doctors believed her symptoms, known as <span>prosopometamorphopsia</span> (<span>PMO</span>), were likely caused by abnormal electrical activity in the parts of her brain that process faces and colors. PMO is a very rare condition that was first described in 1947. 

<h2>What Is The Disease That Mentally Distorts People’s Face? </h2>

According to <span>Prosopagnosia Research Center</span>, Prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) is a rare condition that makes people see faces as distorted. The name comes from Greek words meaning "face" (prosopo) and "perceptual distortion" (metamorphopsia). 

The brain has a complex network of regions for processing faces. When there's a problem in this network, it can cause various issues, including PMO. 

Unsurprisingly, living with PMO can be very upsetting for people. Most cases only last for a few days or weeks, but some people experience these distortions for years. Because only about 75 cases have been reported, we believe the condition is quite rare. 

<h2>How Can You Treat <span rel="noindex">People Who See Distorted Faces</span>? </h2>

After a thorough evaluation, the doctors stopped her previous medications and started her on a new one called valproic acid. For the first time in her life, she had days with no symptoms. However, she started hearing loud bangs after falling asleep, so the doctors switched her medication to rivastigmine. This new drug controlled both her visual and new auditory symptoms well enough for her to function normally. 

Thanks to the new treatment, her symptoms are under control. She has kept the same job for three years and her relationships with her colleagues have greatly improved.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Rare Neurological Disorder

prosopagnosia research center

Prosopometamorphopsia

Can You See Distorted Faces

People Who See Distorted Faces

Diagnostic Anomaly

Peoples Faces Turn Into Dragons

Inner Child: Sensitive Kids Aren’t “Too Emotional,” They Just Experience Feelings Differently

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms Improve With Tango, Doctors in Argentina Reveal

NHS Launches Free Chickenpox Vaccine: How Vaccinations Can Help Keep Kids In School And Reduce Absenteeism

Health & Wellness

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Immune-Boosting Foods To Have During Rainy Season

Potato Based Dishes You For Week-Long Meal Prep

Weight Loss Dishes With Fruits You Should Try

As children we have all imagined just how fun it would be if we lived around mythical creatures like dragons, elves and werewolves. However, these are all impossible and magical beings remain a part of the fantasy world. But that was not the case for this woman, for whom dragons actually become her reality. Although she wasn’t living among actual dragons, it started looking to her like that when suddenly the people around her transformed into these mythical creatures. In July 2011, a 52-year-old woman sought help at a psychiatric clinic in The Hague for a condition she'd had her whole life: seeing people's faces turn into dragon-like faces. This happened many times a day, and she also saw similar faces floating toward her from walls and screens. At night, she saw many of them in the dark. But why was this happening? And what caused her to see these hallucinations, here is what the 2014 reports published in the Lancet explained. How Did She View People? Although she could see and recognize a person's real face, after a few minutes, it would turn black, grow pointy ears and a snout, and show scaly skin with huge, bright yellow, green, blue, or red eyes. As a child, this didn't bother her, but in her teenage years, she realized this wasn't how others saw faces. She felt alone and became depressed, leading her to abuse alcohol for many years. Despite these challenges, she was able to finish school, get married, have a daughter, and work as a school administrator. However, her difficulty with faces caused problems in her relationships and at work, forcing her to change jobs often. After her symptoms got worse, she tried to get help. A local psychiatrist gave her medication that didn't work. Desperate, she reached out to Professor Oliver Sacks, a famous neurologist, who directed her to a team in The Netherlands. The patient had a history of other visual symptoms, like seeing things move out of the corner of her eye or seeing large ants crawling on her hands. She knew her visions weren't real and described them as a "brain disorder." What Was Her Diagnosis? Doctors performed tests, including a brain MRI, which showed some small white spots but nothing that would fully explain her condition. The doctors believed her symptoms, known as prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), were likely caused by abnormal electrical activity in the parts of her brain that process faces and colors. PMO is a very rare condition that was first described in 1947. What Is The Disease That Mentally Distorts People’s Face? According to Prosopagnosia Research Center, Prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) is a rare condition that makes people see faces as distorted. The name comes from Greek words meaning "face" (prosopo) and "perceptual distortion" (metamorphopsia). The brain has a complex network of regions for processing faces. When there's a problem in this network, it can cause various issues, including PMO. Unsurprisingly, living with PMO can be very upsetting for people. Most cases only last for a few days or weeks, but some people experience these distortions for years. Because only about 75 cases have been reported, we believe the condition is quite rare. How Can You Treat People Who See Distorted Faces? After a thorough evaluation, the doctors stopped her previous medications and started her on a new one called valproic acid. For the first time in her life, she had days with no symptoms. However, she started hearing loud bangs after falling asleep, so the doctors switched her medication to rivastigmine. This new drug controlled both her visual and new auditory symptoms well enough for her to function normally. Thanks to the new treatment, her symptoms are under control. She has kept the same job for three years and her relationships with her colleagues have greatly improved.

diagnostic anomaly: rare neurological disorder made 52-year-old woman see people’s faces turn into dragons

Study Reveals Why Autism in Over-40s Rarely Gets Recognised

study reveals why autism in over-40s rarely gets recognised

Nicole Eggert Breast Cancer Update: She Shared Her 'Mastectomy With Reconstruction' Amid Cancer Treatment

nicole eggert breast cancer update: she shared her 'mastectomy with reconstruction' amid cancer treatment

Health News

Hard-To-Manage High Blood Pressure Could Now Be Treated With A Pill In Just 12-Weeks

hard-to-manage blood pressure could now be treated with a pill in just 12-weeks

When the music begins, Lidia Beltran, a Parkinson's disease patient, let's go of her physical struggles. Holding onto her therapist, she moves with grace and precision. This is part of a special program in Buenos Aires that uses <span>tango</span> to help people with Parkinson's. For over 15 years, around 200 patients have participated in these workshops to see how dancing affects their symptoms. 

Parkinson’s is an age-related degenerative brain condition that causes parts of your braint to deteriorate. It weakens the nerve cells in some parts of your brain and causes it to become damaged. Which means things like maintaining your posture, cramped or small handwriting etc. 

<h2>How Tango Can Help Parkinson’s Diseases </h2>

Media reports explain a neurologist Nelida Garretto says that a big problem for people with Parkinson's is trouble walking. She explains that since tango is a walking dance, it helps patients practice important movements like starting and stopping. 

Other experts note that the results have been very good. Many patients find ways to manage their symptoms, like the sudden "freezing" that makes their feet feel stuck. One patient found that doing a "figure eight" with her feet could help her get out of a freeze. According to Arakaki, dancing creates a "sensory pathway" in the brain that helps with walking 

While medication is a necessary part of Parkinson's treatment, tango acts as a form of physical therapy. Arakaki believes that music and dance help people move past difficult physical moments. 

Lidia Beltran, 66, was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years ago and had never danced tango before. She joined the program on her doctor's advice, hoping it would slow the disease's progression. Beyond the physical improvements, the dance workshop also helps with the social isolation and sadness that often come with the disease. Beltran says that dancing boosts her stability and her mood. She feels that after dancing, she will have a better day. 

<h2>How Does Dance Help With Parkinson’s </h2>

According to a 2024 study published in the Scientific Reports, while medications for Parkinson's disease (PD) can help with many movement issues, they don't always address other symptoms, like thinking problems or balance issues. Because of this, doctors are looking for other treatments to use alongside medication. 

In a new study, researchers looked at two different types of activities to see if they could help with Parkinson's symptoms: Argentine tango and physical therapy. 

Specialists say tango is effective because it is more than just a dance; it requires the brain to do many things at once. Dancers must: 

<ul><li>Walk in a specific way.</li><li>Keep up with the music's rhythm.</li><li>Respond to their partner's movements.</li></ul>

 The 2024 study followed 24 patients with Parkinson's over four months. Half of them took part in tango classes twice a week, and the other half had group physical therapy twice a week. Both groups were tested before and after to see how their symptoms had changed. 

<h4>Improved Balance and Motor Skills </h4>

Both groups saw similar improvements in their motor skills, especially with balance, both when standing still and when moving. The physical activities helped stabilize their overall abilities and slow down the disease's progression. 

Both groups also improved on a test that measures "action naming," which is a type of cognitive skill. 

The most interesting finding was that only the tango group showed a significant improvement in recognizing emotions on people's faces. This suggests that tango might help with certain social and emotional skills in a way that regular physical therapy does not.

Parkinsons Disease

tango

Parkinsons Disease symptoms

Parkinsons Disease and tango

tango for Parkinsons Disease

dance therapy for brain diseases

dance for Parkinsons Disease

Argentina with parkinsons disease

When the music begins, Lidia Beltran, a Parkinson's disease patient, let's go of her physical struggles. Holding onto her therapist, she moves with grace and precision. This is part of a special program in Buenos Aires that uses tango to help people with Parkinson's. For over 15 years, around 200 patients have participated in these workshops to see how dancing affects their symptoms. Parkinson’s is an age-related degenerative brain condition that causes parts of your braint to deteriorate. It weakens the nerve cells in some parts of your brain and causes it to become damaged. Which means things like maintaining your posture, cramped or small handwriting etc. How Tango Can Help Parkinson’s Diseases Media reports explain a neurologist Nelida Garretto says that a big problem for people with Parkinson's is trouble walking. She explains that since tango is a walking dance, it helps patients practice important movements like starting and stopping. Other experts note that the results have been very good. Many patients find ways to manage their symptoms, like the sudden "freezing" that makes their feet feel stuck. One patient found that doing a "figure eight" with her feet could help her get out of a freeze. According to Arakaki, dancing creates a "sensory pathway" in the brain that helps with walking While medication is a necessary part of Parkinson's treatment, tango acts as a form of physical therapy. Arakaki believes that music and dance help people move past difficult physical moments. Lidia Beltran, 66, was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years ago and had never danced tango before. She joined the program on her doctor's advice, hoping it would slow the disease's progression. Beyond the physical improvements, the dance workshop also helps with the social isolation and sadness that often come with the disease. Beltran says that dancing boosts her stability and her mood. She feels that after dancing, she will have a better day. How Does Dance Help With Parkinson’s According to a 2024 study published in the Scientific Reports, while medications for Parkinson's disease (PD) can help with many movement issues, they don't always address other symptoms, like thinking problems or balance issues. Because of this, doctors are looking for other treatments to use alongside medication. In a new study, researchers looked at two different types of activities to see if they could help with Parkinson's symptoms: Argentine tango and physical therapy. Specialists say tango is effective because it is more than just a dance; it requires the brain to do many things at once. Dancers must: Walk in a specific way.Keep up with the music's rhythm.Respond to their partner's movements. The 2024 study followed 24 patients with Parkinson's over four months. Half of them took part in tango classes twice a week, and the other half had group physical therapy twice a week. Both groups were tested before and after to see how their symptoms had changed. Improved Balance and Motor Skills Both groups saw similar improvements in their motor skills, especially with balance, both when standing still and when moving. The physical activities helped stabilize their overall abilities and slow down the disease's progression. Better Thinking Skills Both groups also improved on a test that measures "action naming," which is a type of cognitive skill. Tango's Unique Benefit The most interesting finding was that only the tango group showed a significant improvement in recognizing emotions on people's faces. This suggests that tango might help with certain social and emotional skills in a way that regular physical therapy does not.

parkinson’s disease symptoms improve with tango, doctors in argentina reveal

New York City Declares Harlem Legionnaire’s Disease Outbreak Over: Here's What Killed 7 People

new york city declares harlem legionnaire’s disease outbreak over: here's what killed 7 people

Ozempic Rebound: This Is How Quickly You Could Gain Weight After You Quit Ozempic

ozempic rebound: this is how quickly you could gain weight after you quit ozempic

In the United States, someone dies from heart disease every 34 seconds, and nearly half of the population has some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). 

What makes these statistics scary is the number of people who experience mental health issues, which is one out of four adults. 

A new report from Emory University shows a clear and strong link between mental health conditions and heart disease. The report found that having certain mental health disorders can increase your risk of developing heart disease by a significant amount—anywhere from 50% to 100%. For people who already have a heart condition, these disorders can make things much worse, raising their risk of poor outcomes by 60% to 170%. 

<h2>Which Mental Health Diseases Affect <span rel="noindex">Heart Health</span>? </h2>

The report, led by Dr. Viola Vaccarino and published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe, highlights the strong link between mental health conditions and an increased risk of developing heart disease. Specifically, it found that certain mental health disorders can increase the risk of developing heart disease by 50% to 100%. For individuals who already have a heart condition, these disorders can worsen outcomes by 60% to 170%. 

The report associated the following mental health conditions with these increased risks for developing CVD: 

<strong>Major depression:</strong> 72% increased risk

<strong>PTSD:</strong> 57% increased risk

<strong>Bipolar disorder:</strong> 61% increased risk

<strong>Panic disorder:</strong> 50% increased risk

<strong>Phobic anxiety:</strong> 70% increased risk

<strong>Schizophrenia:</strong> nearly 100% increased risk 

The study also found a two-way connection. Not only do mental health issues raise the risk for heart disease, but over 40% of people with heart disease also have a mental health condition. For example, a person with heart disease who also has major depression is more than twice as likely to die from their heart condition. 

How Is Our Mental And Heart Health Connected? 

The report explains how this link works inside the body. It shows that conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD can cause the body's natural stress response systems to act abnormally. These systems, called the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, control important body functions like heart rate and how we handle stress. 

When these systems don't work correctly, they can cause long-term problems that harm the heart. This includes things like ongoing inflammation, issues with metabolism, and high blood pressure. All of these issues can raise the risk of developing heart disease over time. 

What Are Some Mental Health Barriers That Affect Care? 

For people with mental health conditions, getting the right medical care for their physical and mental health can be very difficult. The report points to several key problems. 

It can be tough for people with mental health conditions to afford or even get to doctors' appointments. 

Sometimes, people may not understand health information or have trouble explaining their symptoms, which can make it harder to get the right diagnosis and treatment. 

There is still a lot of shame around mental health, which can stop people from seeking help. Doctors may also have their own biases. The report also notes that people with mental health conditions are often left out of clinical trials, so we don't have as much research on them. 

The way our healthcare system is set up often treats the mind and body as separate. This makes it hard to address all of a person's health needs at once.

Heart Health

Mental health and heart health

Depression and heart attack

can anxiety cause heart attack

mental health risk for heart

can depression cause heart attack

lancet study

heart study

In the United States, someone dies from heart disease every 34 seconds, and nearly half of the population has some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). What makes these statistics scary is the number of people who experience mental health issues, which is one out of four adults. A new report from Emory University shows a clear and strong link between mental health conditions and heart disease. The report found that having certain mental health disorders can increase your risk of developing heart disease by a significant amount—anywhere from 50% to 100%. For people who already have a heart condition, these disorders can make things much worse, raising their risk of poor outcomes by 60% to 170%. Which Mental Health Diseases Affect Heart Health? The report, led by Dr. Viola Vaccarino and published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe, highlights the strong link between mental health conditions and an increased risk of developing heart disease. Specifically, it found that certain mental health disorders can increase the risk of developing heart disease by 50% to 100%. For individuals who already have a heart condition, these disorders can worsen outcomes by 60% to 170%. The report associated the following mental health conditions with these increased risks for developing CVD: Major depression: 72% increased riskPTSD: 57% increased riskBipolar disorder: 61% increased riskPanic disorder: 50% increased riskPhobic anxiety: 70% increased riskSchizophrenia: nearly 100% increased risk  The study also found a two-way connection. Not only do mental health issues raise the risk for heart disease, but over 40% of people with heart disease also have a mental health condition. For example, a person with heart disease who also has major depression is more than twice as likely to die from their heart condition.  How Is Our Mental And Heart Health Connected? The report explains how this link works inside the body. It shows that conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD can cause the body's natural stress response systems to act abnormally. These systems, called the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, control important body functions like heart rate and how we handle stress. When these systems don't work correctly, they can cause long-term problems that harm the heart. This includes things like ongoing inflammation, issues with metabolism, and high blood pressure. All of these issues can raise the risk of developing heart disease over time.  What Are Some Mental Health Barriers That Affect Care? For people with mental health conditions, getting the right medical care for their physical and mental health can be very difficult. The report points to several key problems.  Social and economic barriers It can be tough for people with mental health conditions to afford or even get to doctors' appointments.  Communication issues Sometimes, people may not understand health information or have trouble explaining their symptoms, which can make it harder to get the right diagnosis and treatment.  Stigma There is still a lot of shame around mental health, which can stop people from seeking help. Doctors may also have their own biases. The report also notes that people with mental health conditions are often left out of clinical trials, so we don't have as much research on them.  Fragmented care The way our healthcare system is set up often treats the mind and body as separate. This makes it hard to address all of a person's health needs at once.

Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD Linked to 50–100% Higher Risk of Heart Disease, Study Finds

depression, anxiety, and ptsd linked to 50–100% higher risk of heart disease, study finds

Supriya Ramesh

Your Hormones Could Actually Help Keep Your Bones Strong After Menopause

Menopause

Why Placenta Banking Is Being Called the Ultimate Health Insurance for Families

why placenta banking is being called the ultimate health insurance for families

Nutrition

Do TikTok’s Trending Supplement 'Chlorophyll & Collagen' Drink Really Work?

do tiktok’s trending supplement 'chlorophyll & collagen' drink really work?

Fitness

GLP-1 Alone Isn’t The Solution – Why Strength Training Is Key To Healthy Weight Loss Even With Weight Loss Injections

glp-1 alone isn’t the solution – why strength training is key to healthy weight loss even with weight loss injections

If <span>menopause</span> had a social media profile, its relationship status with women’s health would be… “complicated”. Sure, the hot flashes and mood swings grab most of the headlines, but lurking quietly in the background is another issue: bone loss. <span>Oestrogen</span> is important when it comes to keeping bones strong. Once its levels dip during menopause, women become much more prone to <span>osteoporosis</span>.”

Bone is a living tissue that constantly rebuilds and repairs itself. Oestrogen is what keeps this construction site running smoothly. “When oestrogen drops, the balance between bone building and bone breakdown collapses,” explains Dr. Pramila Kalra, Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital. This leads to bones that weaken faster than they can repair.

And it’s not just an invisible problem on a scan. Weakened bones translate into <span>fractures</span> from the most minor of falls. Hips, spines, and wrists are the usual casualties. “To put it into perspective, women over 50 face a 15% lifetime risk of hip fracture, and recovering from one can seriously affect independence,” says Dr. Kalra.

<h3>Understanding <span rel="noindex">Hormone Replacement Therapy</span> (<span rel="noindex">HRT</span>)</h3>

“HRT replaces the hormones your body no longer produces enough of after menopause, and this can significantly slow down bone loss,” says Dr. Kalra. Not only does it help bones maintain their density, but in some cases, it can even nudge bone strength upwards.

HRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all pill. It comes in forms that suit different lifestyles: tablets, patches, gels, and even sprays. For women with a uterus, progesterone usually joins the prescription party to protect the uterine lining. And along with stronger bones, many women also notice relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and that infamous menopause brain fog.

Before you rush to the pharmacy, there are questions worth asking. “HRT works best for women who have severe <span>menopausal symptoms</span> or are at a high risk of osteoporosis,” says Dr. Kalra. Women who experience early menopause, particularly before age 45, are often strong candidates for HRT because their bones face years of oestrogen shortfall.

Safety concerns around HRT have caused plenty of headlines in the past. But newer research has changed the conversation. “When HRT is started within 10 years of menopause and before age 60, the benefits outweigh the risks for most women,” explains Dr. Kalra.

Still, the risks are not zero. There may be a slight increase in the chance of blood clots or breast cancer depending on personal health, the type of HRT, and how long it’s used. “That’s why an individualised discussion with your doctor is crucial. It’s about weighing your personal benefits against possible risks,” she stresses.

Dr. Kalra recommends thinking beyond medication. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise—particularly weight-bearing workouts—and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol are all essential. “HRT is most effective as part of a holistic bone health plan,” she says.

<h3>The Need for <span rel="noindex">Personalised Care</span></h3>

There’s no “universal prescription” for menopause management. “The decision to start HRT must be highly individualised,” advises Dr. Kalra. Your doctor will consider your family history, existing health conditions, and results from a <span>bone density</span> scan. Together, you can discuss the type, dose, and duration of therapy that best fits your needs.

The conversation should cover not just symptoms but also your future risks. “It’s not about erasing menopause—it’s about empowering women to make informed choices so they can stay active and independent for years to come,” says Dr. Kalra.

Menopause may be inevitable, but brittle bones don’t have to be. With the right support, including HRT where appropriate, women can safeguard their bone health and dramatically reduce their risk of fractures. “Think of it as investing in your future mobility and independence,” Dr. Kalra concludes.

menopause

oestrogen

osteoporosis

fractures

hormone replacement therapy

bone density

menopausal symptoms

lifestyle

personalised care

If menopause had a social media profile, its relationship status with women’s health would be… “complicated”. Sure, the hot flashes and mood swings grab most of the headlines, but lurking quietly in the background is another issue: bone loss. Oestrogen is important when it comes to keeping bones strong. Once its levels dip during menopause, women become much more prone to osteoporosis.”Why Oestrogen Is Crucial Bone is a living tissue that constantly rebuilds and repairs itself. Oestrogen is what keeps this construction site running smoothly. “When oestrogen drops, the balance between bone building and bone breakdown collapses,” explains Dr. Pramila Kalra, Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital. This leads to bones that weaken faster than they can repair.And it’s not just an invisible problem on a scan. Weakened bones translate into fractures from the most minor of falls. Hips, spines, and wrists are the usual casualties. “To put it into perspective, women over 50 face a 15% lifetime risk of hip fracture, and recovering from one can seriously affect independence,” says Dr. Kalra.Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)“HRT replaces the hormones your body no longer produces enough of after menopause, and this can significantly slow down bone loss,” says Dr. Kalra. Not only does it help bones maintain their density, but in some cases, it can even nudge bone strength upwards.HRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all pill. It comes in forms that suit different lifestyles: tablets, patches, gels, and even sprays. For women with a uterus, progesterone usually joins the prescription party to protect the uterine lining. And along with stronger bones, many women also notice relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and that infamous menopause brain fog.Is HRT Right for You?Before you rush to the pharmacy, there are questions worth asking. “HRT works best for women who have severe menopausal symptoms or are at a high risk of osteoporosis,” says Dr. Kalra. Women who experience early menopause, particularly before age 45, are often strong candidates for HRT because their bones face years of oestrogen shortfall.Safety concerns around HRT have caused plenty of headlines in the past. But newer research has changed the conversation. “When HRT is started within 10 years of menopause and before age 60, the benefits outweigh the risks for most women,” explains Dr. Kalra.Still, the risks are not zero. There may be a slight increase in the chance of blood clots or breast cancer depending on personal health, the type of HRT, and how long it’s used. “That’s why an individualised discussion with your doctor is crucial. It’s about weighing your personal benefits against possible risks,” she stresses.A Bigger Bone Health PlanDr. Kalra recommends thinking beyond medication. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise—particularly weight-bearing workouts—and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol are all essential. “HRT is most effective as part of a holistic bone health plan,” she says.The Need for Personalised CareThere’s no “universal prescription” for menopause management. “The decision to start HRT must be highly individualised,” advises Dr. Kalra. Your doctor will consider your family history, existing health conditions, and results from a bone density scan. Together, you can discuss the type, dose, and duration of therapy that best fits your needs.The conversation should cover not just symptoms but also your future risks. “It’s not about erasing menopause—it’s about empowering women to make informed choices so they can stay active and independent for years to come,” says Dr. Kalra.Menopause may be inevitable, but brittle bones don’t have to be. With the right support, including HRT where appropriate, women can safeguard their bone health and dramatically reduce their risk of fractures. “Think of it as investing in your future mobility and independence,” Dr. Kalra concludes.

your hormones could actually help keep your bones strong after menopause

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Diagnostic Anomaly: Rare Neurological Disorder Made 52-Year-Old Woman See People’s Faces Turn Into Dragons

Quick Stories

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms Improve With Tango, Doctors in Argentina Reveal

Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD Linked to 50–100% Higher Risk of Heart Disease, Study Finds

Your Hormones Could Actually Help Keep Your Bones Strong After Menopause

Health Conditions A-Z

Inner Child: Sensitive Kids Aren’t “Too Emotional,” They Just Experience Feelings Differently

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms Improve With Tango, Doctors in Argentina Reveal

NHS Launches Free Chickenpox Vaccine: How Vaccinations Can Help Keep Kids In School And Reduce Absenteeism