Bone Loss (Osteoporosis and Osteopenia): What You Have Never Been Told

Knowing your VDR (vitamin D receptor) genetics can be a powerful early-warning and prevention tool for lifelong bone health.  

The VDR gene and your bones 

The VDR (vitamin D receptor) gene makes the protein that allows your cells to “hear” vitamin D’s message, helping your body absorb calcium and phosphate for strong, mineralized bone. Variants in the VDR gene can change how efficiently this receptor works, which in turn can influence bone mineral density and fracture risk over time. 

VDR variants and osteoporosis risk 

Several common VDR genetic variants have been linked with differences in bone mineral density and susceptibility to osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women. While not “destiny,” these variants can tilt the playing field—making some people more prone to lower bone density or fractures under the same lifestyle, hormone, and aging conditions. 

Through doing genetics testing at the clinic, I have found that 100% of the women with osteoporosis or osteopenia have had VDR variants.  Had they known earlier in life, they could have made adjustments to compensate and would likely have averted much of their bone loss.   

For example, two women in their 40s may have the same vitamin D blood levels, but the woman with less efficient VDR variants may need more intensive focus on nutrition, movement, and monitoring to maintain similar bone density over time. 

Break: Button: Click here to learn how genetics-guided care can help. 

How genetics-guided care can help 

When you know your bone-related genetic landscape, you can: 

• Target vitamin D intake based on how well your VDR pathway is likely functioning. 

• Prioritize weight-bearing exercise, resistance training, and muscle-strengthening work earlier if your variants point toward increased osteoporosis risk. 

• Be more proactive with hormone balance, inflammatory load, and bone density screening during midlife and beyond. 

Using our genetics testing to protect your bones 

At Heights of Health, our genetics test analyzes a broad range of markers, including key genes involved in nutrient metabolism, inflammation, and structural integrity, to create a personalized roadmap for prevention. By integrating your VDR status with other bone-relevant genes and your current lifestyle, we can design a customized plan to help prevent or slow bone loss—long before a DEXA scan shows a problem. 

Testimonial: “I…wish I had known this when I was 40! 

“I am a postmenopausal woman and as far as I knew, I had no history of osteoporosis in my family.   I never worried about it because I have eaten healthily and have included weight bearing exercises in my routine with a trainer for many years.  Also, as recommended for bone health, I included HRT in my health regimen since perimenopause. After experiencing back spasms last summer, imagine my surprise to learn that I had 3 fractured vertebrae (due to osteoporosis) in my thoracic back.   (I had never felt any pain when they happened, and some were older than others.)  

I then had my genetics test done with Tracy at Heights of Health.  It shed a lot of light on my deteriorating bones.  I have three genetic variants that make osteoporosis harder for me to avoid.  The wonderful thing about Tracy’s tests is that something can be done about all findings; it’s not destiny.  It turns out that I have fewer Vitamin D receptors than others and I also learned that if my vitamin D levels get too high, it is dangerous for my bones.  I learned this along with other helpful information about how my body deals with estrogen, etc….    Tracy has been so helpful in providing methods for preventing my genetics from being the end of the story for my bone health.  I am very grateful to know this now, but I DO wish I had known this when I was 40 (and will encourage my daughter to get this genetic test with Heights of Health)!” 

LM Houston 3/1/26 

Learn what secrets your genes may be hiding about your potential (or current) bone health.  Call our offices today to schedule your in-home, confidential genetic test, along with your all-inclusive consultation with Tracy Southwick to learn your own facts AND solutions.  Call us @ 713 861 6777. Learn more about Genetics Testing at Heights of Health. Link: https://www.heightsofhealth.com/genetic-testing