We’ve long associated dropping estrogen in menopause with osteoporosis, but new research shows that levels of other substances in the blood play a role much earlier than that.
Researchers who presented their findings at the 2010 Experimental Biology conference have shown that higher levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) before menopause is associated with lower bone mineral density. The study looked at 36 women between the ages of 20 and 50. Researchers measured hormone levels, as well as the levels of the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the blood.
The researchers also incubated FSH with white blood cells from these women, and found that the FSH stimulated the cells to produce IL-1. IL-1 is known to stimulate cells called osteoclasts to break down bone. Interestingly, they also found that higher levels of circulating IL-1 in the women in the study was also associated with lower bone density, leading to a theory about exactly how FSH impacts bone density.
So, now that we know, what can we do about it? For many women the answer is simple – the study also showed that women who exercised more than 180 minutes a week retained greater bone density. Of course, we need to remember that this study was very small, but it does provide more evidence for the recommendation to participate in weight bearing exercise to lower the risk of osteoporosis.
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Reference:
- Cannon et al. Follicle-stimulating hormone, interleukin-1 and bone density in adult women. 2010 Experimental Biology meeting abstracts, Abstract #630.2; http://submissions.miracd.com/eb2010/ViewPDF.asp?sbmID=1848&validate=false
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More from Dr Kristie McNealy:
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