Progesterone for osteoporosis prevention

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Progesterone for osteoporosis prevention

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle —most often, bones in the hip, backbone (spine), and wrist.

Bones and teeth are the hardest components of the body. What’s amazing is that your bones and teeth are made of porous, living tissues that are constantly replacing old tissues with new tissues. Teeth undergo a process of remineralization to renew dental enamel “tissue” lost to acidic erosion. Alternately, bones undergo resorption to replace old bone with the growth of new bone. Bone resorption involves cells called osteoclasts that break down old or damaged bone. In addition to osteoclasts, hormones also play a vital role in maintaining bone health.¹

Enough levels of growth hormones released by the pituitary and thyroid gland, as well as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are necessary to ensure bones remain healthy. However, progesterone is especially important for preventing osteoporosis in women over 35. As women approach perimenopause, levels of progesterone and estrogen begin fluctuating widely as ovaries gradually reduce the production of hormones needed for ovulation and pregnancy. When estrogen (estradiol) levels decrease significantly, bone resorption activity increases. On the other hand, adequate progesterone is essential for production of osteoblasts needed to form new bone.²

When Should Women Start Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Perimenopause is the time women should consider BHRT to replace reduced progesterone and help keep estrogen and progesterone levels balanced. Several things happen during perimenopause and menopause that may increase your risk of osteoporosis, such as increased estrogen and decreased progesterone, disruption of other ovulatory hormones and an uptick of inflammatory markers such as cytokines and cortisol. BHRT is especially important for women who are susceptible to loss of bone density due to the following factors:³

Family history of osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mass indicative of possible future osteoporosis)
Suffered a broken bone after turning 50 years old
Ovaries were removed before menopause
Experienced early menopause (cessation of periods before age 45 that is only attributable to menopause)
Smoke (cigarette smoke contains chemicals that prevent the body from properly absorbing calcium)
Spent extended time in bed due to illness
Take medications for asthma and arthritis that inhibit bone resorption

In both men and women, the risk of osteoporosis increases significantly after age 50. Women tend to lose bone density at greater rates than men until around age 65, when men and women start losing bone density at the same rate.⁴

How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

Osteoporosis presents no symptoms, so most women don’t know if they have the bone disease unless they receive a bone density test. X-rays measure the amount of calcium and minerals in your bones per square centimeter of either the femur bone or lower vertebrae. Healthy dense bones have higher mineral content and are less vulnerable to fractures. Bone density tests employ bone densitometer devices that determine how much x-ray energy bones can absorb. Denser bones will naturally absorb more energy.⁵

The reason why doctors test hip-related and lower back bones is because these bones are the most frequently fractured by women with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Replacing progesterone lost to menopause with BHRT is a great way to help your bones continue the resorption process while also reducing hot flashes, fatigue, moodiness and other symptoms of menopause.

References

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Progesterone for osteoporosis prevention

Progesterone for osteoporosis prevention

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle —most often, bones in the hip, backbone (spine), and wrist.

Bones and teeth are the hardest components of the body. What’s amazing is that your bones and teeth are made of porous, living tissues that are constantly replacing old tissues with new tissues. Teeth undergo a process of remineralization to renew dental enamel “tissue” lost to acidic erosion. Alternately, bones undergo resorption to replace old bone with growth of new bone. Bone resorption involves cells called osteoclasts that break down old or damaged bone. In addition to osteoclasts, hormones also play a vital role in maintaining bone health.¹

Enough levels of growth hormones released by the pituitary and thyroid gland, as well as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, are necessary to ensure bones remain healthy. However, progesterone is especially important for preventing osteoporosis in women over 35. As women approach perimenopause, levels of progesterone and estrogen begin fluctuating widely as ovaries gradually reduce production of hormones needed for ovulation and pregnancy. When estrogen (estradiol) levels decrease significantly, bone resorption activity increases. On the other hand, adequate progesterone is essential for production of osteoblasts needed to form new bone.²

When Should Women Start Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Family history of osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mass indicative of possible future osteoporosis)
Suffered a broken bone after turning 50 years old
Ovaries were removed before menopause
Experienced early menopause (cessation of periods before age 45 that is only attributable to menopause)
Smoke (cigarette smoke contains chemicals that prevent the body from properly absorbing calcium)
Spent extended times in bed due to illness
Take medications for asthma and arthritis that inhibit bone resorption