Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your post. I hope you have recovered well from your broken (fractured) wrist.

An early menopause (before the age of 45) without hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is known to be a risk factor for developing osteoporosis later in life, which might then put a woman at a higher risk of breaking bones. Your recent wrist fracture is unlikely to be related specifically to a falling level of the hormone oestrogen, but perhaps more related to the impact of your fall on stone with some force. This wouldn’t then be classified as a fracture due to fragile bones.

It is unlikely that the doctor will agree to further tests such as a bone mineral density scan unless your broken wrist occurred through very little force or if you have other associated risk factors. More information on risk factors can be found in the ‘All about osteoporosis’  booklet in chapter 3 with information on the other things that you can do to help keep your bones healthy such as weight–bearing exercise and eating a balanced calcium rich diet and ensuring you have enough vitamin D from safe sun or supplements, in chapter 2.

The HRT the doctor has prescribed will help you to maintain your bone mineral density and protect against broken bones. This replacement therapy has a low risk of potential side effects especially when used until around the age of 50 or the age of a normal menopause. At that time you could ask your doctor to reassess your risk of fracture.

I hope this information answers your query, but do telephone in to the helpline if you want to discuss anything in more detail.

Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society