Ep. 519 We’re Failing Women’s Bones – The Shocking Truth About Early Bone Loss with Dr. Doug Lucas

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Doug Lucas for the first episode of a two-part masterclass on bone health. Dr. Lucas is double board-certified as both an orthopedic surgeon and an osteoporosis specialist. He is on a mission to show the world that osteoporosis is both preventable and reversible. In our discussion today, we take a deep dive into existing guidelines and their limitations and examine how Depo-Provera and oral contraceptives affect women’s bone physiology, particularly in younger women. We clarify why no ovulation means no bone balance, how breastfeeding affects bone health, and the importance of peak bone density. We explore the importance of early interventions and screenings, risk factors for poor bone health, the concept of relative energy deficiency, and the limitations of DEXA scans compared to REMS technology. Dr. Lucas also discusses bone health markers and the effects of frailty, falls, and sarcopenia, and shares the foundational pillars of health and longevity. Stay tuned for part two of our masterclass on bone health. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How existing osteoporosis guidelines tend to overlook the key nuances of prevention and care The importance of early bone-health screening How Depo-Provera and the contraceptive pill disrupt bone physiology in younger women How bone balance becomes disrupted with suppressed ovulation Why peak bone density is a critical target in early adulthood How breastfeeding affects bone density Where DEXA scans fall short and how REMS technology offers a clearer picture of bone health How relative energy deficiency impacts bone health in active women Why muscle mass is essential for protecting bone health and preventing frailty The lifestyle pillars for long-term bone health and longevity Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [e-mail] Connect with Dr. Doug Lucas The OsteoCollective Community The Dr. Doug Show