April 2023
Clare Gleave, from Ipswich, thought that because she hadn’t experienced a hot flush or night sweat the menopause had passed her by without any affect. Sadly, she couldn’t have been more wrong.
After suffering an elbow fracture following a fall, Clare had a bone density scan. This revealed the devastating news that she has osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. Bone is a living tissue which regenerates throughout our lives, and oestrogen helps to keep bones strong and healthy. Clare has been advised that this was almost certainly caused by a drop in oestrogen caused by menopause, and was utterly preventable.
Clare says, “Had I accessed hormone replacement therapy several years ago, this would have almost certainly been prevented. I have had the right diet, taken the right supplements and been doing the right exercise to prevent osteoporosis for years but have still developed it.”
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help prevent the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia. Clare is determined to help raise awareness about the changes that occur during menopause, so that other women are better informed to make decisions related to their long-term health. Clare has now started HRT and is continuing to take positive steps to rebuild her bone density.
Jenny Haskey, CEO at the Menopause Charity said, “We are delighted that Clare is tackling the London Marathon for The Menopause Charity, and we’ll be cheering her along every step of the way. By sharing her story, Clare can also help raise greater awareness of the future health risks that can occur during menopause so that others can take steps to help prevent and manage these.”
To help raise awareness and funds for The Menopause Charity, Clare is taking on the London Marathon on Sunday 23 April. You can support Clare as she takes on the streets of London by making a donation at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/claregleave
If you are concerned about the impact of menopause on your bones, read our guide Lifestyle for healthy bones.
