Bone loss doesn’t usually announce itself with loud symptoms. In fact, many people don’t realize their bones are weakening until they suffer a fracture. But bone loss often begins quietly, and your body may offer subtle clues — if you know what to look for.
Understanding these early signs can empower you to take proactive steps before serious problems develop. And the good news? There are more options than ever to help support strong, healthy bones — if you act early.1
What Is Bone Loss?
Bone loss occurs when your body breaks down old bone faster than it builds new bone. Over time, this imbalance leads to reduced bone density and a higher risk of fractures. Because it develops gradually and without pain, it often goes unnoticed until a break occurs — typically in the hip, spine, or wrist.
That’s why prevention and early detection are key to maintaining bone health.
Early Signs That May Point to Bone Loss
While bone loss itself doesn’t have obvious symptoms, certain subtle changes in your body may indicate declining bone strength. Paying attention to these early signs can help you catch the issue before it becomes more serious.
Receding Gums and Gum Disease
Your oral health can offer clues about your bone health. Gum disease — or periodontitis — is an inflammatory condition that damages the tissues and bones supporting your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to jawbone loss and tooth loss. Research shows that women with gum disease are more likely to have low bone density.(2, 3)
Watch for signs like bleeding gums, loose teeth, swollen or discolored gums, bad breath, or changes in your bite.
Weak Grip Strength
Grip strength is a simple but powerful measure of overall health. A weak grip may indicate low bone density not only in your hands, but throughout your body. If you’re finding it harder to hold onto objects or open jars, it might be time to take a closer look at your bone health.4
Brittle or Slow-Growing Nails
Nails are connected to the blood vessels and nerves that support your bones. If you notice your nails becoming brittle, thin, or growing more slowly, this may reflect underlying changes in bone structure.5
How to Detect Bone Loss Early
Because bone loss isn’t visible to the naked eye, a DXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is the most reliable way to detect it. Health experts recommend that all women over 65 be tested for bone loss.6
If you notice any of the early signs of bone loss, talk to your healthcare providers about testing your bone health. You may also need testing earlier if you are at higher risk for bone loss, including: 6
- Are postmenopausal
- Have a low body weight
- Smoke or consumer alcohol heavily
- Have a family history of hip fractures
Taking a Proactive Approach to Bone Health
Strong bones require more than just calcium — they need targeted, ongoing support to stay healthy over time. That’s where Ostinol® Bone and Cartilage Stimulating Protein comes in.
Backed by science, Ostinol® supports bone health from within. Unlike traditional supplements that only provide basic nutrients, Ostinol® contains Cyplexinol® — a natural protein complex shown in independent laboratories to help grow new bone and cartilage tissue. No other natural product offers advanced musculoskeletal health nutrition for bone health like Ostinol®.
As part of a proactive bone health plan, Ostinol® plays a unique role in musculoskeletal regenerative nutrition, helping to maintain healthy bones and joints as you age.
By combining early awareness, routine testing, and healthy lifestyle choices, Ostinol® gives you the tools to protect your bone health — now and for the future.
Your bones are the foundation of your body. Start supporting them today — from the inside out.
References:
- Porter JL, Varacallo MA. Osteoporosis. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441901/
- Tilotta F, Gosset M, Herrou J, Briot K, Roux C. Association between osteoporosis and periodontitis. Joint Bone Spine. Published online March 14, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jbspin.2025.105883
- Periodontitis. Cleveland Clinic website. Updated December 19, 2024. Accessed March 31, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16620-periodontitis
- Luo Y, Jiang K, He M. Association between grip strength and bone mineral density in general US population of NHANES 2013-2014. Arch Osteoporos. 2020;15(1):47. Published 2020 Mar 16. doi:10.1007/s11657-020-00719-2