In November 2024, I went in for a routine DEXA scan — something I now recommend for all women aged 50 and over, just to get a baseline for their bone density before the full onset of menopause – This is because the level of oestrogen declines after the menopause, resulting in a decrease in bone density.
I didn’t expect much from the results. I’ve always lived a health-conscious, active life. So when I was told I had osteoporosis, the shock was seismic — to say I “lost it” for a week is an understatement.
All my GP offered was medication, telling me there was nothing else I could do — that it wasn’t reversible, and I’d simply have to live with it.
Like many of you who know me — yoga teacher, wellness coach, advocate for healthy aging — I assumed I was doing everything right. I eat well, move daily, prioritise sleep and emotional wellbeing. This was the last thing I expected.
But osteoporosis is a silent condition. Often, you don’t know it’s there until a fracture happens. That’s why I’m sharing my story.
At the time, I had no reason to think anything was wrong. I just felt it was time, at age 55, to get a full check-up — bloods and a DEXA scan. My GP initially said I was too healthy to need one, but I’m forever grateful I insisted.
The Emotional Impact 
To be honest, I was angry. I felt let down by my body — as if it hadn’t held up its side of the bargain. I’d looked after it, moved it daily, nourished it well… and yet here I was, being told I had osteoporosis.
I hadn’t fractured a bone — not once. But the fear of it suddenly loomed large. The idea that something as simple as a misstep or a sneeze could cause a break felt paralysing.
The information out there was mostly negative and discouraging. So I gave myself space: to sit with the grief, frustration, and fear. I believe it’s essential to acknowledge the emotional impact before rushing to “fix” it.
I spent time alone, breathed through it, processed it, let go of blame, and slowly released the weight of it all.
And what emerged was something beautiful — a deep acceptance and gratitude. I now see this diagnosis as a gift, part of my life journey. I feel more grounded than ever in the path forward.
I will forever feel grateful for my diagnosis.
I Became My First Client
Once the shock eased, I got curious. I reached out to colleagues and trusted practitioners and started reflecting on what I was — and wasn’t — doing.
I worked with a brilliant functional nutritionist who ran comprehensive tests. We discovered I was very low in vitamin K, something rarely mentioned in standard bone health guidance. My gut wasn’t producing it naturally.
Since I don’t take allopathic drugs unless absolutely necessary (if I got hit by a bus!), medication or HRT weren’t options for me. So I focused on what I could do:
- I added K2-rich fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut into my diet
- I reframed my mindset before personal training sessions — now I approach them with deep gratitude
- I jump twice a day for 60 seconds to load my bones safely
- And I returned to yoga with a renewed focus: strength, bone-loading, stability, using resistance bands and small weights
What I Learned Over 10 months
I went deep into research and self-study, learning everything I could about:
- Bone biology and how it changes after menopause
- Nutrition for bone health
- HRT — the benefits, risks, and when it may be appropriate
- Movement and exercise strategies for building bone safely
- The pros and cons of medications like bisphosphonates
- The impact of stress, mindset, and nervous system balance on bone health
- The difference between a DEXA scan and the Echolight REMS ultrasound scan (which I also had e few weeks ago)
✅ REMS is radiation-free. It’s an Ultrasound scan done privately only (not provided on the NHS). The REMS scan gives insight into bone density, bone quality and a fracture assessment. Whereas, the DEXA scan only assesses your bones density. My REMS result were different from my DEXA scan. I was in the range of Osteopenia and my bone quality was very high (Phew!!) I highly recommend you look into getting a REMS scan, if you’re concerned about your bone health or as a second opinion.
Why I’m Sharing This Now
Bone loss can begin long before we realise. By the time menopause starts, many of us are already at risk. I believe every woman over 35 deserves to know about her bone health and to have a plan in place by 45.
This journey led me to train as a specialist bone health coach, specifically to support women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Movement is essential — but how we move matters just as much. Bone health also depends on nutrition, sleep, hydration, and managing stress. It can feel overwhelming, and I’ve been there.
What’s Next?
From September 2025, I’ll be offering Bone Health Yoga Classes online — designed to:
- Strengthen bones using yoga, small weights, and resistance
- Focus on wrists, hips, spine, and legs — key fracture sites
- Improve posture, balance, and stability to reduce fall risk
- Teach safe spinal movement and joint loading
- Calm the nervous system to support long-term healing
- Offer a safe and welcoming space to learn, move, and grow
These classes will be gentle but powerful, backed by research and taught with compassion.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis — or if you simply want to take a more proactive approach — please know this you’re not alone.
There is so much you can do to support your bones, safely and naturally.
I was my first client — and what a truly empowering journey it’s been.
💌 If you’d like to join my Bone Health Yoga class or simply chat about your journey, I’d love to hear from you.
Email me at: info@zenakidd-may.com
Let’s build strong bones — and strong lives — together.
Zena
Yoga Teacher | Face Yoga | Bone Health Coach
🔗 Helpful Link
Royal Osteoporosis Society – Bone Matters
Bone Density Scan – DEXA
Echolight REMS Ultrasound Scan
